Srinagar, May 28 : In absence of any check, ‘substandard’ ration is being distributed among the consumers in the Valley, allege locals. However, Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution (CAPD) department here refuted the allegations.

The consumers from different parts of the Valley said that the department was distributing substandard ration among them. “We demand authorities to check the quality before distributing it to the public for the well being of consumers,” consumers said.

Sources privy to the development said that the ration sent by FCI was rejected by the department and was later kept at Private Entrepreneurs Godown (PEG) in Budgam district where that is allegedly being mixed with the new ration following and is being distributed among the people.

They said three trucks bearing registration number JK01B-5947, JK05G-5151 and JK09B-4782 were in Drugmulla area of Kupwara with substandard ration.

Many of the residents in southern, northern and central Kashmir have been demanding intervention of local administration to ensure standard ration is distributed among the consumers.

However, Director CA&PD, Mohammad Qasim Wani refuted the allegations, saying that he has already directed Deputy Director CA&PD to ensure standard ration is distributed among the people.

He said that any bag with substandard ration will be rejected and send back.

Regarding ration at PEG, he said the ration was earlier rejected and now has been kept aside.

Asked about delay in returning the rejected ration, Wani said that it is up to the Food Corporation of India (FCI) to take it back.