Minister for Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs (FCS&CA) Choudhary Zulfkar Ali on Thursday stressed on need to enhance transparency in the functioning of FCS&CA, and issued various instructions in this regard to make it possible.Speaking during a review meeting the Minister said department has work proactively in providing information to people, especially to its consumers. He said gone are the days when people used to go through hand written books or used to wait for reply to a hand written letter. He said these people days are readily not only accepting but are also switching over to new technology where most of the work is carried out through online.Stressing on need to change, the Minister said when the consumer has adapted the technology it becomes imperative for FCS&CA to do the same. The Minister said, instead of reaching to our office physically or to make an attempt to call us in our office, it would be better if we could put such a system in place where consumers while enjoying comfort of their home can access all the information regarding FCS&CA work on their computers or phones.
To enhance transparency within FCS&CA, the Minister issued various instructions to all the assistant directors (ADs) of Jammu province present in the meeting. He directed the officers to ensure all the data related to National Food Security Act (NFSA) is frozen by February 10th this month.Besides, he also emphasized for ensuring food grains allocation is done through online mode only. He said if the department intends to make sure pilferage of food grains is checked completely then the online allocation of food grains is a step in the direction and should be taken immediately.The Minister also directed the concerned officers to ensure process of computer installation along with loading of software on all their centres is completed by end of next week, besides, ensuring internet facility in all the systems.
He also directed to make sure that cashless transactions are carried out at all Fair Price Shops (FPSs), and said the concerned ADs should hold meeting with banks and make it possible at an earliest.Highlighting the importance of grievance redressal portal, the Minister said it is a weapon for those consumers who feel they are not getting heard at their places. He said therefore, it is must for FCS&CA to make it functional at work footing.Besides, the Minister also asked the officers to expedite work on Fair Price Automation, Supply Chain Management, formation of Vigilance Committees, and SMS alerts. Secretary, FCS&CA, Shafiq Ahmad Raina, Special Secretary, FCS&CA, Nisar Wani, Director FCS&CA, Jammu, G S Chib, and other concerned officers attended the meeting.