District Anantnag is holding the Vigilance Awareness Fortnight between 7th and 21st February.In an exclusive interview, Deputy Commissioner Anantnag, Dr Piyush Singla explains the purpose of holding this campaign.
Q: What is the Vigilance Awareness Fortnight?
PS: Section 29 of National Food Security Act, 2013 provides that Vigilance Committees constituted under the act shall monitor the implementation of the schemes provided under the act. Accordingly, we have formulated District, Block and Village level vigilance committees that will hold interactions with the public from 7th February to 21st February. The fortnight will be a period of enhanced activity aimed at information dissemination and social audit regarding implementation of NFSA.
Q: What are the various activities that will take place?
PS: The activities have already begun. There is an ongoing social and print media campaign through which people are being made aware of the provisions of the act. PRI members have been involved to carry out dissemination of information at the ground level. We will be issuing a calendar schedule outlining dates on which public interactions will be held in a Panchayat. Representatives from all concerned line departments will be participating in the public interactions.
Q: Will the list of beneficiaries be taken up for discussion?
PS: Sanitizing the list of eligible beneficiaries is an important part of the process. People are encouraged to come forward and share their observations regarding the implementation of the act. Observations related to inclusion or exclusion of beneficiaries in various categories and distribution of ration will then be taken up by block and district level committees and necessary changes made.
Q: What was the idea behind holding this campaign?
PS: The genesis of the Vigilance Awareness Fortnight lies in the Jan Bhagidari, which is the basis of most of the governance schemes. We want people to be aware of the scheme, the benefits and want them to actively participate in improving service delivery. Jan Bhagidari inculcates accountability and transparency into the system, eventually making it more efficient and people friendly.
Q: What would be your message for the people?
PS: The Vigilance Awareness Fortnight is a platform to voice your grievances and observations regarding implementation of the Government’s flagship scheme. Ye Aap Ke Haq Ki Baat Hai. So come forward and help us in improving the implementation of NFSA.