Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh govt has ordered strict action against a transport contractor for failing to deliver Mid-Day Meal (MDM) rations to fair price shop dealers in Sitapur.Food and civil supplies minister Manoj Kumar Pandey on Thursday directed the Sitapur district administration to register an FIR against the contractor responsible for the lapse under the single-stage transportation system. He also ordered that the firm be blacklisted for negligence and failure to discharge assigned responsibilities.Pandey said action would extend beyond the transport agency, with accountability to be fixed for officials tasked with supervision and monitoring of the distribution chain. He instructed authorities to identify lapses in oversight during the inquiry and initiate strict departmental action against those found negligent.The minister said the state govt would act “at any level” to ensure welfare schemes are implemented effectively and beneficiaries’ interests protected. Emphasising transparency and efficiency, he said the foodgrain distribution mechanism must ensure supplies reach eligible recipients within the stipulated timeframe.To prevent similar incidents, departmental officials have been instructed to strengthen monitoring and inspection under the single-stage transportation framework. The govt’s stated objective is to ensure timely delivery of foodgrains and maintain uninterrupted supply to beneficiaries.Reiterating the administration’s stance, Pandey said corruption, negligence or any irregularity involving govt foodgrains would not be tolerated. Calling any lapse involving rations meant for the public and schoolchildren a serious matter, he said responsibility lay with both agencies and officials to ensure delivery to designated locations, and those found responsible would face strict action.
