Investigation Launched into Missing Rice for Flood Relief in Assam
Inquiry Initiated Over Rice Discrepancy
A worker storing sacks of rice in a godown (Representational Image)
Guwahati, Sept 11: The Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption in Assam has requested the Golaghat District Commissioner to investigate the loss or damage of 500 quintals of rice designated for flood relief under the Open Market Sale Scheme (OMSS) in the Bokakhat civil subdivision from 2020.
A correspondence from the directorate, dated September 7, 2026, urged the Golaghat District Commissioner to look into the matter, which was highlighted in a recent report.
“Attached is the email received at this Directorate, which is self-explanatory, for necessary action as deemed appropriate. This Directorate has not conducted any inquiry or verification regarding this issue,” the letter stated.
The report indicated that the 500 quintals of rice intended for flood relief in Bokakhat had become unfit for human consumption due to poor storage practices and administrative mismanagement.
A Food Analyst report from the Government of Assam confirmed that the rice, sourced from the Food Corporation of India (FCI) and stored by the Water Resources Department in Bokakhat, was entirely spoiled and unsuitable for consumption.
According to official documentation, 1,000 quintals of rice were allocated to the Bokakhat civil subdivision by the then District Commissioner of Golaghat through order no DDMA/GLT/19220219-20/128 dated July 20, 2020. An additional request for 1,000 quintals was made to the DC by the then ADC I/C SDO (Civil), Bokakhat, via letter no BRR.4/2020/6, dated July 22, 2020.
A utilization certificate for the initial 1,000 quintals was submitted to the DC by the SDO (Civil) through letter no BRR.4/2020/14 dated September 3, 2020. Records indicate that the 500 quintals of unused rice were part of the additional 1,000 quintals sanctioned. The total value of the 500 quintals was Rs 11,25,000.
The reasons behind the rice becoming unfit for consumption remain unclear, but factors such as prolonged storage in unsanitary conditions and a lack of coordination between civil administration and FCI are likely contributors to this unfortunate situation.