ZIRO : Arunachal Pradesh State Food Commission (APSFC) Chairman Tarh Tarak chaired a joint review meeting on implementation of the National Food Security Act (NFSA) for Lower Subansiri and Keyi Panyor districts at the Golden Jubilee Conference Hall on Monday.
The meeting brought together administrative officers and officials from various departments to assess the status of food security schemes and discuss measures for improving delivery of benefits to eligible households.
APSFC Member Ngasah Tangjang, while addressing the meeting, highlighted the evolution of the public distribution system from the rationing era to the rights-based framework under the NFSA. He also underlined the Commission’s quasi-judicial powers aimed at safeguarding the interests of vulnerable sections of society.
During the meeting, officials reviewed implementation of Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) and Priority Household (PHH) schemes. Tarak raised concerns over irregularities in electronic Point of Sale (ePOS) machines and directed the concerned department to address technical issues to ensure smooth and transparent distribution of food grains.
Officials from the Health and Women and Child Development departments, including Child Development Project Officers (CDPOs) and the District Medical Officer (DMO), apprised the meeting of challenges faced in implementing welfare programmes such as the Supplementary Nutrition Programme and Janani Suraksha Yojana, particularly in view of funding constraints.
Expressing satisfaction over the maintenance of the Food Corporation of India (FCI) godown, the APSFC Chairman stressed the need for establishing a dedicated food testing laboratory in the region to ensure food quality and safety.
Tarak also directed Heads of Departments of both districts to maintain proper records and strictly adhere to statutory guidelines. He further emphasised the importance of strengthening public awareness so that beneficiaries are fully informed about their entitlements and procedures for availing benefits under various food security schemes. (DIPR)
