The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has initiated an investigation into an alleged Rs 28.87-crore rice scam involving former officials of the Food Corporation of India (FCI), officials from the North Eastern Regional Agricultural Marketing Corporation (NERAMAC), and private traders. The FIR was registered last week by the CBI’s anti-corruption unit.
Allegations of Misallocation
According to the FIR, the FCI’s Delhi region allocated 62,000 metric tonnes (MT) of rice to NERAMAC under the Open Market Sale Scheme (Domestic) (OMSS(D)) for the year 2025–26. This program is designed to sell surplus wheat and rice in the open market. NERAMAC allegedly lifted approximately 50,645 MT of rice at a concessional rate of Rs 23,200 per metric tonne (or Rs 23.20 per kg), significantly lower than the prevailing reserve price of Rs 28,900 per metric tonne.
The CBI claims that NERAMAC, a central government-owned enterprise, was ineligible for non-auction allotments under the OMSS(D) policy dated July 10, 2025. This privilege is strictly reserved for state governments and state corporations. Had the rice been auctioned at the reserve price, the FCI could have earned an additional Rs 28.87 crore.
