Minister for Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs (FCS&CA) Choudhary Zulfkar Ali today directed the concerned officers to notify the dates on which the food grains would be distributed across the State to keep the consumers aware about the process.The Minister said this while reviewing the functioning of FCS&CA, and Legal Metrology Department (LMD) of Srinagar, Budgam and Ganderbal districts, here at Banquet Hall.The meeting was attended by District Development Commissioner (DDC) Srinagar, Farooq Ahmad Lone, Director FCS&CA, Nissar Ahmad Wani, Joint Controller Legal Metrology Amar Singh, Deputy Director, FCS&CA, Mohammad Aslam, Assistant Directors, FCS&CA Srinagar, Budgam, and Ganderbal, Tehsil Supply Officers, FCS&CA along with other officers of LMD.Speaking during the meeting, the Minister said the motive of FCS&CA is to serve its consumers in a better and a professional manner. He said the notifying process will help in increasing transparency as everyone would be aware for when the food grains would be distributed in a particular area. Besides, the process would also enable consumers to plan their work schedule accordingly, the Minister said.
During the meeting, the Minister was apprised with the performance of the FSC&CA department. It was given out that in district Srinagar under National Food Security Act (NFSA) from April 2017 till date 76,599 quintals of rice were distributed, while under Mufti Mohammed Syed Food Entitlement Scheme (MMSFES) 15,413 quintals rice were distributed during for the same period. It was given that for district Budgam 69,342 quintals of rice were distributed under NFSA from April 2017 till date, while under MMSFES 9,670 quintals of rice were distributed for the same time. The meeting was further informed that in district Ganderbal 28,484 quintals of rice was distributed under NFSA, while under MMSFES 3960 quintals were distributed from April this year till date.The Minister directed the concerned to ensure that the consumers will receive their allotted food grains before 15th of this month so that people do not face any shortage of food grains during the holy month of Ramadhan. He also directed for distribution of an additional one kg of sugar to consumers during the month of Ramadhan along with their allotted quantity.Joint Commissioner, LMD informed the meeting that their department in the recent times carried out various market checks during which various errant traders were also booked for malpractices. He further assured the Minister that their checking squad ensures that uniform rates are maintained across the State.The Minister directed DC Srinagar and Director FCS&CA to ensure that all possible steps to put a complete stop on malpractices including profiteering, hoarding, and black marketing.