YANGTE, NOV 4:
The Arunachal Pradesh State Food Commission (APSFC), led by its Chairman Tarh Tarak and Member Maji Chokar, visited Yangte in Kra Daadi district on Wednesday to review the implementation of various schemes under the National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013.
During the visit, the Commission interacted with Panchayati Raj Institution (PRI) leaders and officials from the Food and Civil Supplies, Social Welfare and Education departments. The team also met school authorities and Anganwadi workers to assess the delivery of food security and nutrition-related services at the grassroots level.
Speaking on the occasion, Tarak said the Commission had been conducting a multi-district tour to review the functioning of the Public Distribution System (PDS), particularly the implementation of the NFSA. He said the Commission had held review meetings with officials across the state and inspected Food Corporation of India (FCI) godowns to assess the quality and storage conditions of foodgrains.
At Yangte, the review covered the PM POSHAN scheme, including the health and hygiene standards and timely delivery of meals in government schools. The team also assessed the distribution of supplementary nutrition through Anganwadi centres, the functioning of Fair Price Shops, technical issues with electronic Point of Sale (ePOS) machines and the quality of stored foodgrains.
Tarak pointed out that Kra Daadi district did not have an FCI godown. He said the matter had been discussed earlier and a meeting had recorded the need for such a facility. Referring to reports that 18 districts had godown facilities, he expressed hope that the FCI would take up the establishment or management of a godown in Kra Daadi as well.
He further informed that 364 kitchen sheds had been constructed so far under an initiative announced by the Chief Minister, while the remaining sheds would be taken up by the state government. The facilities, he said, would provide relief to school staff involved in preparing meals for students.
Tarak added that, following awareness and interaction programmes with officials across the state, the Commission had launched a similar initiative at the Zilla Parishad level to strengthen awareness among grassroots representatives and communities. He said the programme would continue in different parts of the state, as effective implementation of food security schemes required greater awareness and participation at the village level.
The meeting was attended by Yangte Zilla Parishad Member Tarh Tatup, District Food and Civil Supplies Officer Joram Sanku, Circle Officer Biri Taha and others.
