Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Minister Kishan Kapoor said that every citizen of the state was a consumer and the entire population of the State was being provided ration on fair prices through fair price shops. He said ensuring quality and transparency in Public Distribution System was the responsibility of the department concerned and corporation as well. He said Officers and officials of the department should work with commitment and honestly in effective implementation of government decisions and policies.He was presiding over first review meeting of activities and 100 days targets given to the department, here today. He said that officials have to go to the field for making PDS, a best in the country. He said no compromise could be done on quality of flour supply from the Mills and for that time to time sampling should be ensured in the presence of Mills representative and stringent action should be taken against those violating the norms. He said unnecessary stocking of flour or rice should be avoided and supply be restricted as per the monthly demand.Minister said the government would provide popular pulses of the state to the consumers. He said a joint meeting of Food Supply department and Civil Supplies Corporation would be organised soon to discuss various issues like supply, storage and distribution of essential commodities.
He said the weight measuring through stone tools was illegal and the department should ensure that no business centre was using this method. Those found guilty would be punished. He took cognizance of the complaints about less quantity of LPG in cylinders. Similarly there were certain complaints of petrol pumps providing less petrol to the consumers. He asked the officers concerned to take action against the defaulters after conducting frequent inspections.Minister also launched first Consumers Mobile App on this occasion for the consumers of the State. This App could be downloaded from any android mobile through which consumers could know the quantity, rates and availability of ration to be provided to them. He appealed ration card holders to download this App for their convenience and give feedback as well.Shri Kapoor said that department had already started toll free No. 1967 and the consumers may register any query regarding essential commodities under PDS system.Principal Secretary Onkar Sharma said that e-pds would further be strengthened in the State. He said nearly 80 percent ration cards had been linked with Adhaar and target of seeding 90 percent ration card would be achieved by March this year. He said the vehicles transporting essential commodities under PDS would be linked with GPS system for their trekking. Similarly the ration stores would also be linked with GPS. He said efforts were on to make PDS a cashless system to ensure transparency besides a check on depot holders.Director Madan Chauhan presented vote of thanks and detailed about the measures being taken to make PDS a transparent system.Additional Director K.K. Sharma conducted the proceedings of meeting. All DFSCs, FSOs and other senior officers of the department were present in the meeting.