Kolkata, May 12 -- Newly appointed Food and Supplies Minister Ashok Kirtania on Tuesday warned that any malpractice by ration dealers would lead to cancellation of their licences.

The minister asserted that the quality of food grains distributed through the public distribution system would not be compromised. He said ration dealers and mill owners found distributing substandard food grains would face penal action, including cancellation of licences.

"We will put an end to the institutionalised corruption in Khadya Bhawan within seven days. My party has given me great responsibilities and I will fulfil them," Kirtania told reporters at Khadya Bhawan after meeting senior department officials.

"Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has given me clear instructions to ensure that the quality of food grains distributed by ration dealers is never compromised. If beneficiaries receive poor quality food grains or any irregularities are found on the part of ration dealers or mill owners, stringent action will be taken," he said. Kirtania alleged that the rampant corrupt practices in the Food and Supplies Department during the erstwhile Trinamool Congress regime would no longer be tolerated. He added that officers concerned would also be held accountable for any irregularities.

"There will be no repetition of what happened during the previous government's regime. My personal number is available on my social media platforms. If any ration dealer distributes substandard food grains, people can send me a message directly. I will ensure proper punishment for ration dealers, suppliers and mill owners. Ration dealers will face suspension of licences and mills will be shut down," he added. A BJP MLA from Bongaon North, Kirtania, was recently inducted into the cabinet with the crucial Food and Supplies portfolio. He assured that he would maintain close vigil over the public distribution system.

Invoking Prime Minister Narendra Modi's anti-corruption slogan, Kirtania said: "'Na khaunga, na khane dunga' will be strictly followed."

Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.