Minister for Consumer Affairs & Public Distribution, Chowdhary Zulfkar Ali today convened a meeting with district administration to review the progress made in the implementation of National Food Security Act (NFSA) in district Jammu.Secretary CA&PD department Shafiq Ahmed Raina, Deputy Commissioner Jammu, Simrandeep Singh, and Director CA&PD Jammu G S Chib were present in the meeting.During the meeting, the DC informed the Minister about the progress made in the implementation of NFSA in the district. He also presented before the Minister, latest report on the status of fidelity check of the beneficiary data collected with regard to NFSA and status of distribution of ration cards to the consumers.Speaking on the occasion, Zulfkar directed the district administration and CA&PD department to distribute error free ration cards to the consumers at the earliest. Tehsil Level Committee’s were directed to work efficiently so that accuracy certificates would be given for further process.
Deputy Commissioner also raised various issues pertaining to introduction of new features in the software to check redundant data. The Minister directed the NIC authorities to redress the issues raised by the district administration for smooth implementation of NFSA. He also asked the NIC to establish supply chain management by July 15th.The Minister also reviewed the recently launched Mufti Mohammad Sayeed Food Entitlement Scheme (MMSFES) and directed the officers to ensure that benefit reach the beneficiaries. It was revealed in the meeting that 39,000 quintal of food grains be supplied to district Jammu under said scheme by supplementing food with NFSA with the total supply of 1,07,000 quintal.Stressing on GPS tracking system to monitor the movement of trucks on real time basis, the Minister said that from July 10 onwards, only GPS enabled trucks will be allowed to transport food grains and Kerosene oil to their destinations.Taking cognizance of complaints regarding home delivery system of LPG in Jammu, the Minister directed the DC to closely monitor it on regular basis. He also asked to curb the practice of point delivery system in urban areas. In rural areas, concerned SDM will identify a safe place for point delivery system, he added.
Speaking on the issue of pilferage of food grains, Zulfkar asked the SDM’s and Tehsildar’s for regular checking of fair price shops and also asked them to recommend for the cancellation of fair price shops found indulging in malpractices. Making price control and quality check a regular exercise, the Minister directed the district administration to conduct regular checks of market so that the consumers would not get cheated.During the meeting, FCI authorities were asked to maintain stock and ensure timely dispatch of food grains for further distribution .While enquiring about the status of recently launched Pradhan Mantri UjjwalaYojna from representatives of oil companies, the Minister asked them to involve district administration during the awareness camps so that the genuine beneficiaries get the free LPG connection. He asked the DC to hold such camps where real beneficiaries can be identified for the purpose.Under the scheme, 8 lakh free LPG connections will be given to the BPL female beneficiaries of the state. In the scheme, in addition to gas connection, gas stoves would also be provided. The Minister asked the oil companies to ensure that a mass publicity to be given to the scheme under the close monitoring of respective Deputy Commissioner.
The Minister also asked DC to ensure identification of eligible beneficiaries latest by the end of July 2016 so that the first lot of gas connections will be issued on August 1, 2106.Pertinent to mention that Under Pradhan Mantri UjjwalaYojna (PMUY), 5 crore free LPG connections to Below Poverty Line (BPL) families using the money saved from 1.13 crore cooking gas users voluntarily giving up their subsidies will be provided to female member of the family.
Deputy Commissioner was asked to put in place an effective monitoring mechanism at the district level and conduct surprise checks to ensure that no compromise is made in the PDS. The Minister exhorted upon the officers to work with dedication and sincerity for the benefit of the people of the state.The Minister also appreciated the efforts of district administration for working in synergy with the CA&PD department and putting sincere efforts for the successful implementation of NFSA.Among others, Assistant Development Commissioner Jammu, Rifat Kohli,Joint Director CAPD, Joint Controller LMD, SDM’s, General Manager FCI, Deputy Director CA&PD Jammu, Tehsildars, representatives of oil companies, Assistant Directors CA&PD, concerned officers were present in the meeting.