Minster for Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs, Chowdhary Zulfkar Ali today exhorted upon the officers and officials of the Department to understand their role in serving the people and make sure that a total accountable and transparent distribution system is extended to the consumers.The Minister said this while chairing a meeting of officers from both Jammu and Kashmir Division here today.Secretary FCS&CA Shafiq Ahmed Raina, Director FCS&CA, Jammu G S Chib, Director FCS&CA Kashmir Tasaduq Jeelani and Additional Advocate General Seema Shekhar were present in the meeting.During the meeting, implementation of National Food Security Act (NFSA) and Mufti Mohammad Sayeed Food Entitlement Scheme (MMSFES) in both the divisions was discussed separately. Elaborate discussion was made on various issues including release of commission charges as provided under NFSA to fair price shop dealers, fixation of carriage charges in all the districts, manpower requirement in the district offices, details of decayed food grains, district wise storage capacity, issues related to NIC and installation of computers in all the offices.
While reviewing the implementation of NFSA, the Minister directed all Assistant Directors to freeze the data by October 20 in any case so that the process of shifting to online system would be expedited. He also asked them to acquaint themselves with the provisions and rules of NFSA for better results.The Minister was apprised of the stock supply status in both the divisions and preparations made for lifting and stocking of ration for winters especially for hilly areas.Speaking on the issue of decayed food grains, the Minister directed to constitute a committee to be headed by Director FCS&CA which will compile the report and further dispose of the decayed food grains.Zulfkar directed the ADs to get the carriage charges be fixed by the Deputy Commissioners of all the districts.While discussing the issue of installing computers at all district offices, it was informed to the Minister that in Jammu division, installation work has almost been finished and soon the computers and other machinery required for online working of the offices will be installed. Zulfkar directed the representatives of company engaged for providing computers to complete the task by October 20.The Minister asked the officers to refer all the vacant posts lying with the department to the recruiting agencies so that the field functionaries will ensure a foolproof Public Distribution System (PDS) in place for fulfilling the ambitious endeavor of the government to benefit the consumers of the state.
Necessary instructions were passed to State Informatics Officer NIC to expedite the process of e-PDS, public grievances, supply chain management, online allocation of ration.The Minister further directed Assistant Directors to speed up the process of distribution of ration cards among the beneficiaries. He also asked them to distribute Kerosene Oil among the areas where LPG penetration is low and said that the allocation of Kerosene Oil should be purely based on SRO 285 of 2016.It was informed that the ration is now being allocated on quarterly basis to the districts and this cycle should be seriously followed and accordingly arrangements for lifting and distribution should be put in place. They were also asked to ensure distribution of ration for 3 months to people by October 31.Speaking over the issue of court cases, the Minister directed the ADs to respond seriously to the cases and asked Director FCS&CA to review all the court cases on 15th of every month and to meet the Additional Advocate General once in a month.The Minister also ordered for the physical verification of food stores in district Reasi and to submit the report to his office by October 20.The Minister informed that to encourage maize farming and facilitate farmers of the state, government is planning to procure 2000 metric tonnes of maize on trail basis which will be provided to people at Rs 1 per kg under NFSA.
Responding to the issues raised by Assistant Directors, the Minister assured for their early redressal.Stressing on adopting serious approach towards strengthening the department, the Minister asked the officers to work with utmost dedication and honesty to get positive results. This is our responsibility to provide ration to the people in time and this requires proper coordination and effective distribution system, he said adding that transparency and accountability can only bring the change in the system.Zulfkar asked the officers to ensure quality ration to be provided to the people which is their right and to monitor the distribution system properly including distribution at specified places. He directed them to ensure display of approved rate list outside all government and fair price shops.The Minister stressed on effective food grain and financial management by the department so that it caters to the needs of the people. He appreciated the efforts of the staff of Kashmir Division in distributing ration among the people of valley during turmoil and asked them to carry forward the same in future too.Among others, Joint Directors FCS&CA, Deputy Directors FCS&CA, FCI officers, all Assistant Directors of the department and concerned senior officers were present in the meeting.