The government will set up intermediary godowns for foodgrains across the country to check leakage. Addressing reporters in New Delhi yesterday, Rural Development Minister Jairam Ramesh said that MGNREGA will help state governments set up permanent ware-houses at the block and Panchayat levels across the country. He added that 450 crore rupees may be allocated for the first year for this purpose.

Food and Public Distribution Minister Prof. K V Thomas said the intermediary food grain godowns will help in checking unnecessary wastage of precious component of food meant for crores of people.

The Minister suggested the states modernaize and strengthen the public distribution system for proper implementation of the food security bill.