Lokayukta Launches Suo Motu Probe into Karnataka PDS Irregularities – High‑Level Committee Formed

Overview The Lokayukta of Karnataka has taken up a suo motu inquiry into alleged irregularities in the PDS . The probe follows inspections that uncovered multiple instances of malpractice in the State’s food‑grain supply chain managed by the KSCFCSC . Key Developments Twenty‑seven inspection teams examined KSCFCSC wholesale depots and TAPCMS godowns across Karnataka, reporting several administrative lapses. The Lokayukta summoned the Principal Secretary of Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs, the department Commissioner, and the Managing Director and General Manager of KSCFCSC to appear before it. The inquiry highlighted misuse of essential commodities, financial loss to the State exchequer, and denial of benefits to eligible beneficiaries. A high‑level committee has been constituted to recommend systemic reforms and disciplinary action. Important Facts Committee Chair: Harsha Gupta , Principal Secretary, Department of Personnel and Administrative Reforms. Members: Manish Kharbikar , Additional Director‑General of Police, Karnataka Lokayukta; Kanagavalli , Secretary, Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Department. The committee must submit its report by 20 August 2026 . Focus areas: strengthening storage and distribution mechanisms, preventing financial leakage, and ensuring entitlement delivery. UPSC Relevance Understanding the role of the Lokayukta is essential for GS‑2 (Polity) as it illustrates state‑level accountability mechanisms. The case also sheds light on the functioning and challenges of the <span class="key-term" data-definition="Public Distribution System (PDS) — a gov