The Government today said that it has suspended the area manager, depot manager and manager of Food Corporation of India (FCI) depots at Hapur, Orai and Harduaganj in Uttar Pradesh for causing foodgrain wastage by storing it in the open space during the rainy season. According to an official release,it has also sought an explanation from ED (north) and GM(UP) of the FCI in this regard. Following recent media reports on improper handling and damage to wheat stocks at some FCI godowns, the Food and Agriculture Ministry had ordered an inspection of these depots to check their storage conditions. The inspection team submitted its report to the government after visiting the facilities. The report indicated serious dereliction of duty on the part of the FCI officers concerned and estimated the grain damage at 345 tonnes.The government also instructed the FCI chairman to take immediate penal action against the officers concerned, and work towards improving storage conditions at FCI depots across the country.