House panel raps ministries for non-payment of FCI dues

A PARLIAMENTARY PANEL has raised concerns about the substantial unpaid dues of various government departments to the Food Corporation of India (FCI) to run assorted social welfare schemes.

- SANDIP DAS

According to the standing committee on consumer affairs, ministries, including rural development and external affairs, had dues payable to FCI worth over ₹15,000 crore till the end of December 2024.

These dues are hitting FCI's operations, even as the finance ministry in recent years has been prompt in releasing the food subsidy which is largely routed through the FCI.

"The prolonged delay in settling these dues is detrimental to the efficient functioning of the food distribution system and undermines the financial management," the parliamentary panel said in a report tabled in the Lok Sabha.