Key facts
- Kerala's Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau (VACB) conducted surprise inspections across the state.
- The inspections targeted 14 NFSA godowns and 54 ration shops.
- The drive, named 'Operation Bhakshya Suraksha', aims to detect corruption in the Public Distribution System (PDS).
- Allegations include diversion of food grains to the black market and manipulation of stock records.
- The initiative is part of 'Project Zero', focused on corruption-free public service delivery.
The Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau (VACB) in Kerala carried out a statewide surprise inspection at selected National Food Security Act (NFSA) godowns and ration shops on Tuesday. The operation, named 'Operation Bhakshya Suraksha', is part of a special drive to detect alleged corruption and irregularities within the Public Distribution System (PDS).
The drive targeted 14 NFSA godowns and 54 ration shops under the state Civil Supplies Corporation, acting on the direction of Vigilance Director Manoj Abraham. The action was prompted by reports of large-scale irregularities in the distribution of food grains, including diversion to the black market, manipulation of stock records, and illegal sales, allegedly with the connivance of ration dealers, godown officials, employees, and contractors.