New Delhi, Delhi Food and Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Minister Imran Hussain on Friday warned the transporters that those found involved in any irregularities can face stern action as per law, including lodging of FIR and arrest.

Hussain made the statement as he convened a meeting of officers of Delhi State Civil Supplies Corporation (DSCSC) and transporters engaged by it to review the transportation plan for ensuring timely compliance of the decision of Delhi government.

The city government has announced to providing enhanced quantities of ration to beneficiaries, free of cost for the month of April, 2020 and is taking steps for the timely delivery of food grains from the Food Corporation of India(FCI) godowns to the various Fair Price Shops across the city in a smooth and uninterrupted manner.

Hussain also observed that food grain supply service rendered during the calamitous situation arisen due to the pandemic COVID-19 is for "a national cause".

"It is an opportunity to serve the people, the country and the whole humanity. All efforts need to be put in to serve the people for a praiseworthy social cause," he said.

The minister appealed to the transporters to put greater efforts by increasing the frequency of trips of trucks for delivery of food grains so that beneficiaries get their due ration ahead of the schedule.

He also requested the transporters to adequately sensitize truck drivers and their helpers in scrupulously following the guidelines/advisory of the government for containment of COVID-19 Virus while transporting food grains.

"The minister warned the transporters that anyone found involved in activities such as diversion of food grains, deliberate delay in their transportation etc. shall face stern action as per law including lodging of FIR, arrest etc."

The Delhi government has decided to supply free ration (wheat and rice) for the month of April, 2020.

It has also decided to provide each NFS ration beneficiary with 7.5 Kg of food grains (including 6 Kg of wheat and 1.5 Kg of rice) in place of existing monthly entitlement of 5 kg of food grains (including 4 kg of wheat and 1 kg of rice) for each beneficiary for the month of April 2020.

This enhanced ration for the month of April, 2020 is being distributed free of cost to all the beneficiaries by more than 2,000 Fair Price Shops.