Chandigarh, Sept. 25 -- The Union ministry of food and public distribution has issued directions for registration of criminal cases and recovery of double the cost of shortages found in paddy and rice stocks stored on rice millers' premises.

The standard operating procedure (SOP), issued by the ministry on September 23, mandates recovery of the value of shortages with 12% interest and debarment from government milling for two years in cases of shortages found during physical verification.

In a communication to all states, including Punjab and Haryana, the ministry has also asked the Food Corporation of India (FCI) and state agencies to jointly conduct physical verification of stocks.

The Centre's directions have drawn a strong reaction...