CBI probes Rs 28-crore subsidised rice scam linked to FCI, NERAMAC

What Happened

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has registered an FIR accusing former officials of the Food Corporation of India (FCI) and the North Eastern Regional Agricultural Marketing Corporation (NERAMAC), along with private traders, in connection with an alleged Rs 28.87-crore rice scam. The case centers on the Delhi region’s allocation of 62,000 metric tonnes of rice to NERAMAC under the Open Market Sale Scheme (Domestic) for 2025–26. NERAMAC reportedly lifted about 50,645 MT at a concessional price of Rs 23,200 per metric tonne, compared with a reserve price of Rs 28,900 per metric tonne. The CBI contends that under the OMSS(D) policy dated July 10, 2025, NERAMAC was ineligible for non-auction allotments, a privilege reserved for state governments and state corporations. If the lifted quantity had been sold at the reserve price through auction, the agency says an additional Rs 28.87 crore would have accrued to FCI.

Why It Matters

The FIR alleges that the subsidised rice was not distributed to its stated beneficiaries, such as the general public, daily-wage earners, migrant workers, or others without ration cards. Instead, the documents reportedly show private entities and traders involved in lifting and reselling the rice. Alleged transactions include transfers to NERAMAC’s bank account, with subsequent releases to FCI Delhi region and deductions for administrative charges. The case implicates eight accused entities, including two Assam-based companies and a Kolkata-based firm, and centers on whether the OMSS(D) framework was misused to divert subsidised grain from intended beneficiaries to traders.

Background

The dispute traces to the OMSS(D) 2025–26 policy and the Neutral Committee’s review of rice allotments to NERAMAC by the FCI’s Delhi region. The Department of Food and Public Distribution forwarded the complaint along with Vigilance and Neutral Committee reports. The FIR identifies two individuals, Rajesh Bajaj and Pankaj Saraf, as having coordinated with Delhi-NCR traders to lift rice from FCI depots after deposits into NERAMAC’s account and payment of commissions to traders. The transfers reportedly occurred before release of the rice, with administrative charges deducted later. Rice depots cited include Ghevra, Mayapuri, and Narela in the Delhi area.

Key Facts

• The CBI registered an FIR against former FCI and NERAMAC officials and private traders over an alleged Rs 28.87-crore rice scam.
• 62,000 MT of rice were allotted to NERAMAC under OMSS(D) 2025–26 in Delhi region.
• NERAMAC allegedly lifted about 50,645 MT at Rs 23,200 per MT versus a reserve price of Rs 28,900 per MT.
• OMSS(D) policy dated July 10, 2025, deemed NERAMAC ineligible for non-auction allotments.
• Potential revenue uplift from auctioning at reserve price was Rs 28.87 crore, per the CBI.
• Eight accused entities included two Assam-based companies and a Kolkata-based firm.
• Allegations include not distributing to intended beneficiaries and channeling rice to traders through Delhi-NCR contacts, with funds moved into NERAMAC and then to FCI in staged transfers.
• Rice was purportedly lifted from FCI depots at Ghevra, Mayapuri, and Narela.

What Happens Next

The CBI is investigating the case as an ongoing matter, following the FIR filed in connection with the alleged scheme. Further procedural steps, including potential charges or arrests, would depend on the progress of the probe.