The Karnataka Lokayukta recently formed a high-level committee to recommend systemic reforms in the Public Distribution System after a suo motu inquiry it conducted flagged large-scale irregularities.The inspections carried out as part of the inquiry had found irregularities at wholesale depots of Karnataka Food and Civil Supplies Corporation Limited (KFCSCL) and godowns of Taluk Agricultural Produce Co-operative Marketing Society (TAPCMS) across the state.According to the Lokayukta, the inspections revealed “multiple instances of alleged irregularities and administrative lapses in the storage and distribution of essential commodities.”After examining the inspection reports, the Lokayukta summoned the principal secretary of the Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Department, the department’s commissioner, the managing director and general manager of KFCSCL, and other senior officials.The proceedings examined alleged misuse in the distribution of essential commodities under the PDS, administrative failures, financial loss to the state exchequer, and denial of benefits to eligible beneficiaries.Following the hearing, the Lokayukta formed the high-level committee to recommend long-term reforms, identify preventive measures, and suggest disciplinary action wherever required.The committee will be headed by Harsha Gupta, Principal Secretary, Department of Personnel and Administrative Reforms (DPAR). Other members of the committee include Manish Kharbikar, Additional Director General of Police, Karnataka Lokayukta, and Kanagavalli, Secretary, Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Department.Story continues below this adThe panel has been directed to submit its report by August 20.