BASAR/LIKABALI, AUG 27: The Arunachal Pradesh State Food Commission (SFC) led by Chairman Tarh Tarak, along with members Maji Chokar and Ngaasah Tangjang, reviewed the implementation and monitoring of schemes under the National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013, during visits to Leparada and Lower Siang districts on Thursday. In Leparada, the Commission held a review meeting with heads of concerned departments at the DC Conference Hall, Basar, to assess the ground-level delivery of food and nutrition-related schemes, identify implementation gaps and discuss measures to ensure timely delivery of entitlements to eligible beneficiaries. Commission member Ngaasah Tangjang briefed officials on the powers and functions of the State Food Commission, constituted in 2019 under Section 16 of the NFSA. He said the Commission has been undertaking district-wise visits to obtain first-hand information on the implementation of food security programmes and challenges at the grassroots level. The meeting reviewed the status of Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) and Priority Household (PHH) beneficiaries, including foodgrain carriage, Aadhaar seeding and e-KYC updation of ration card holders and their family members. Leparada District Food and Civil Supplies Officer Marke Karlo apprised the Commission of the implementation status and challenges. Nutrition-related interventions under the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS), including the Supplementary Nutrition Programme (SNP) and Hot Cooked Meals (HCM), were also reviewed. Basar ICDS Project Child Development Project Officer Sito Riba made a presentation on the status of the schemes. Leparada District Deputy Director of School Education Tomi Doke briefed the Commission on PM POSHAN implementation in government schools, highlighting the low honorarium of cooks and the need for kitchen sheds in some schools. The Commission also reviewed Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY), with District Medical Officer Dr Karmar Dirchi apprising the members of its status and related interventions. The grievance redressal mechanism under the NFSA was reviewed with Additional Deputy Commissioner Tamo Riba, who also functions as the District Grievance Redressal Officer. The Commission stressed the need for an accessible and responsive mechanism to ensure timely resolution of beneficiaries’ grievances. Summing up the Leparada review, Tarh Tarak said that since assuming office in October 2025, the Commission has been undertaking phase-wise visits across the state to obtain first-hand information on food security programmes, identify systemic gaps and facilitate appropriate policy interventions. Highlighting the logistical challenges posed by Arunachal Pradesh’s difficult terrain and adverse weather, Tarak said the Food Corporation of India (FCI) has been directed to maintain adequate surplus stocks of foodgrains at godowns to ensure uninterrupted availability during emergencies. He directed the concerned authorities to strengthen beneficiary identification and digital monitoring under ICDS and asked the CDPO to ensure proactive use of the Poshan Tracker application so that no eligible beneficiary is left out. He also directed the Department of Food & Civil Supplies to work towards 100 per cent e-KYC updation of eligible beneficiaries. Expressing concern over food adulteration, Tarak said the Commission was taking serious cognisance of the issue. He noted that inadequate food sample testing facilities in the state result in additional expenditure and logistical difficulties as samples have to be sent outside Arunachal Pradesh. He said the Commission proposes to pursue the establishment of two food sample testing centres, one each in the eastern and western regions of the state. The Chairman also said construction of kitchen sheds in the remaining schools under PM POSHAN would be taken up in phases, while the issue of honorarium for PM POSHAN cooks was being pursued with the government for appropriate consideration. During its visit to Lower Siang, the Commission held a meeting with the district administration and heads of departments at the DC Conference Hall, Likabali. Tarak outlined the key provisions of the NFSA and the responsibilities of stakeholders in its effective implementation and monitoring. He stressed the need for continued coordination and regular communication among concerned departments to ensure that food security benefits reach eligible beneficiaries effectively. Tarak appreciated the Lower Siang district administration led by Deputy Commissioner Gobi Nyicyor for the arrangements, response and logistical support extended to the Commission. The Commission called for coordinated efforts by all concerned departments to strengthen service delivery and ensure that NFSA entitlements reach all eligible beneficiaries in a timely, transparent and effective manner.
