Bokakhat's Flood Relief Rice Ruined Due to Poor Storage Practices

A recent report reveals that 500 quintals of rice intended for flood relief in Bokakhat have spoiled due to inadequate storage and bureaucratic mismanagement. The rice, sourced from the Food Corporation of India, was found to be completely rotten and unsuitable for consumption. This incident highlights the ongoing issue of food wastage in government warehouses, with significant quantities of food grains damaged in recent years. Calls for a high-level inquiry into the matter have emerged, emphasizing the need for accountability and improved coordination between authorities. Read on to learn more about this troubling situation and its implications for flood relief efforts.

By Narendra Chaudhary Aug 20, 2026, 10:02 IST

Controversy Over Flood Relief Rice in Bokakhat

A worker storing sacks of rice in a godown (Representational Image)

Guwahati, Aug 20: In a troubling revelation, it has been discovered that 500 quintals of rice intended for flood relief in Bokakhat have become unfit for human consumption due to inadequate storage and administrative mismanagement.

A report from the Food Analyst of the Assam government indicates that the rice, sourced from the Food Corporation of India (FCI) and kept in the Water Resources Department's facility in Bokakhat, is entirely spoiled and not safe for consumption.

According to the Food Analyst's report, dated July 26, 2024, the rice sample was found to be severely damaged, discolored, emitted a foul odor, and primarily consisted of chalky grains, rendering it unsuitable for human use.

Official documentation shows that 1,000 quintals of rice were allocated to the Bokakhat civil sub-division by the District Commissioner of Golaghat on July 20, 2020. An additional request for another 1,000 quintals was made by the then ADC I/C SDO (Civil) of Bokakhat on July 22, 2020.

A utilization certificate for the initial 1,000 quintals was submitted to the District Commissioner by the SDO (Civil) on September 3, 2020.

The 500 quintals of rice that became unfit for consumption were part of the additional allocation of 1,000 quintals, valued at Rs. 11,25,000.

Sources revealed that the reasons behind the rice's deterioration remain unclear, but prolonged storage in unsanitary conditions and a lack of coordination between civil administration and FCI officials are believed to be significant contributing factors.

It has been suggested that the government should initiate a high-level inquiry to determine the causes of this wastage and hold responsible parties accountable.

When the ADC of Bokakhat notified the Area Manager of FCI in Jorhat to retrieve the 500 quintals of unused rice on October 13, 2020, the Area Manager sought advice from the Assistant General Manager at the FCI Regional Office in Guwahati regarding the disposal of the rice.

Subsequently, the ADC informed the Golaghat District Commissioner that the FCI Manager in Jorhat had declined to take back the rice and requested the DC to escalate the matter to the government for prompt disposal.

The FCI has stated that there are no specific guidelines allowing for the return of stock once it has been removed from an FCI depot, which complicates the situation.

Regardless of the positions taken by both authorities, this incident has led to significant food wastage.

Food grains decaying in government warehouses is a troubling issue in the country. Official records indicate that between 2014 and 2020, approximately 40,546 tonnes of food grains were damaged across various FCI warehouses nationwide.