A Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for the disposal of damaged food grains by the Odisha State Civil Supplies Corporation (OSCSC) Ltd. This procedure is in place to handle cases where food grains, especially rice and wheat, have become damaged during storage and are deemed unfit for human consumption. The SOP aims to establish clear guidelines for identification, categorization, and disposal of such food grains, ensuring that these damaged stocks are disposed of efficiently and in compliance with relevant regulations. Below is a summary of the key points covered in the SOP:
1.
Categorization of Damaged Food Grains
The
categorization of food grains is crucial for determining their suitability for
disposal or further use. Damaged stocks are categorized based on the percentage
of sound grains and the extent of damage, such as the presence of weevils or
excessive uric acid content. The categories include:
- Feed-I: 85% to less than 95% sound grains (for
rice) and 94% (for wheat).
- Feed-II: 70% to less than 85% sound grains.
- Feed-III: 55% to less than 70% sound grains.
- Industrial Use: 30% to less than 55% sound
grains.
- Manure Use: 10% to less than 30% sound grains.
- Contaminated: If the food grains are
contaminated with poisonous chemicals, they are considered unsuitable for
human consumption.
2.
Verification and Disposal Process
The verification
and disposal of damaged food grains involve two levels of committees:
- District Level Technical Committee (DLTC):
This committee carries out an initial verification of the damaged stock,
including sample analysis and categorization.
- State Level Joint Verification Committee (SLIVC):
The SLIVC performs random checks (20%) of DLTC's categorization to ensure
accuracy.
The entire
process from identification to disposal should be completed within four
months. If significant damage is identified, an inquiry will be conducted
to determine the cause, and action will be taken against responsible parties.
3. Sale of
Damaged Food Grains
Damaged food
grains are to be disposed of through tender/auction to bona fide users,
including manufacturers, consumers, or State PSU entities that require such
stocks for non-human consumption purposes. The reserve price for tender sales
is based on a percentage of the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for each
crop year, with specific percentages outlined for different categories (e.g.,
Feed-I, Feed-II, Manure use).
4. Disposal
of Stocks Categorized as "Manure Use"
Stocks
categorized as "Manure Use" may not have tender bidders. In such
cases, these stocks are offered to local municipal, Panchayat, or corporation
authorities free of cost, with a certificate obtained confirming their
proper disposal. If no response is received, the stocks are to be dumped
under official supervision, and records of the disposal are to be maintained.
5.
Information Dissemination
The OSCSC is
responsible for ensuring transparency in the disposal process. The OSCSC
website must be regularly updated with information related to damaged food
grains, including their categorization and disposal.
6. Delegation
of Powers for Disposal
The process for
disposal is subject to delegation based on the quantity of the damaged stock:
- Upto 5 MT: Competent authority - Collector
of the district.
- More than 5 MT up to 50 MT: Competent
authority - Managing Director, OSCSC.
- More than 50 MT up to 100 MT: Competent
authority - Board of Directors, OSCSC.
- More than 100 MT up to 200 MT: Competent
authority - Secretary to Govt., FS & CW Department.
- Above 200 MT: Competent authority - Govt.
in FS & CW Department.
7. Conclusion
This SOP ensures
that food grains damaged during storage are dealt with swiftly and in an
organized manner, preventing further deterioration in quality, and facilitating
timely disposal. The guidelines emphasize transparency and accountability,
ensuring that all procedures are carried out efficiently and in compliance with
relevant regulations.