48,000 inspections, 182 FIRs in 10 months

JAIPUR: In what is seen as a unique concerted campaign to contain adulteration in any form, seven state departments have come together for it since June last year.
Giving more teeth to these organisations, the state government has now launched mobile labs to check the samples on the spot. Till April 16, 2010, more than 48,000 inspections have been conducted and 182 FIRs registered.Though there has been immense protest from various trade organisations against it, the campaign has set example for many other states to follow.
"Official delegations from nearly five other states have visited Rajasthan and studied the action plan for Shudh Ke Liye Yudh' with an objective to replicate the same in their states," food and civil supplies minister Babulal Nagar said. "The campaign has entered a new chapter in the state with introduction of the mobile testing vans, this will enable every consumer his right to get fair value for his money," the minister added.
The department has been the nodal agency for implementation of the campaign and officials from departments of industries, agriculture, health, local self-governance, animal husbandry and police were also part of the teams constituted at district levels.
During the drive, 3,332 fair price shops were inspected and licenses of nearly 287 were suspended immediately. The permits of 89 shops with severe discrepancies were terminated and 14 people were arrested while legal cases were registered in 54 instances.Irregularities were also discovered in the petroleum products and 47 FIRs were registered, leading to arrest of 54 persons. Licenses of seven such shops were suspended during the drive, of which five were later terminated.