The Karnataka State Food Commission has detected irregularities in the public distribution system (PDS), government hospital food supply, student hostels and petrol pumps during a three-day inspection in Bidar district. Officials were directed to initiate stringent action against those responsible.
Commission member Maruti Doddalingannavar conducted surprise inspections from July 15 to 17. The inspection uncovered large-scale discrepancies in ration stock, misuse of government funds in hospital food contracts, and substandard food supply in student hostels.
Addressing a district-level review meeting on July 17, Karnataka State Food Commission Chairperson H. Krishna warned that officials who failed to rectify the deficiencies within a month would face stringent disciplinary action.
During an inspection of the Karnataka Food and Civil Supplies Corporation (KFCSC) wholesale godown on July 15, the Commission found that about 565 quintals of rice, meant for distribution under the Public Distribution System, had allegedly not been released. It also detected a shortage of 30 quintals of jowar compared to the stock recorded in official registers.
Mr. Doddalingannavar said the discrepancies had been documented, and that the warehouse manager had failed to furnish satisfactory records. He directed officials to initiate steps to lodge a police complaint against those responsible.
Inspection of fair price shops revealed that the distribution of rice, jowar and wheat under the Anna Bhagya scheme had not commenced in some places, while storage facilities and grain handling arrangements were found to be inadequate. Officials were instructed to rectify the shortcomings immediately.
Hospital food contract questioned
During a visit to the Bidar Government Medical College Hospital on July 16, the Commission found the quality of food supplied to in-patients, particularly children, to be unsatisfactory.
The inspection revealed that no fresh tender had been floated for food supply during 2025-26 or 2026-27. The hospital was allegedly continuing with a contractor appointed under the 2022-23 tender, despite the expiry of the contract period.
Although hospital staff were reportedly preparing the meals, payments of ₹12-13 lakh a month were allegedly being made to the contractor based on the old contract. The Commission noted that children admitted to the Nutrition Rehabilitation Centre (NRC) were not being provided with separate nutritious food. Hospital authorities said steps were being taken to invite a fresh tender.
Hostels under scanner
The Commission inspected a post-matric girls’ hostel at Karadi Mahal, Chitta Cross, on July 17. The Commission noticed that the contractor had allegedly supplied vegetables and groceries below the prescribed quantity and quality while billing for the full quantity. The hostel was also found to be poorly maintained, and students were reportedly not receiving food in the prescribed quantities.
Inspection of the Scheduled Tribe post-matric boys’ hostel in Naubad revealed that only about half the required quantity of food items and vegetables had been supplied, despite bills being raised for the full quantity. Officials present acknowledged the short supply, and gave a written assurance that the deficiency would be rectified immediately. The Commission directed that legal action be initiated against the contractor.
Basic facilities lacking at petrol pumps
The Commission inspected a petrol pump at Basavakalyan and found that mandatory public amenities such as drinking water, toilets and air-filling facilities were not available. Action has been recommended against the owner for violating prescribed norms.
Speaking at the review meeting, Dr. Krishna said inspections had revealed irregularities in the functioning of the KFCSC wholesale godown, fair price shops, BRIMS hospital, student hostels and petrol pumps. He directed district officials to ensure that all deficiencies were rectified within a month, and warned that negligence and irresponsible functioning would not be tolerated.
Published – July 18, 2026 10:35 am IST
