Srinagar, Nov 5 (KNS): Jammu and Kashmir will begin the phased rollout of the Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) project under the Public Distribution System (PDS) from November 15, with Jammu and Srinagar becoming the first two districts to implement the initiative, officials said on Thursday.

The project will subsequently be extended to Samba, Kathua and Udhampur by November 30, before covering the entire Union Territory by December 31, according to the implementation schedule reviewed by Commissioner Secretary Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs (FCS&CA), Sourabh Bhagat.

The rollout forms part of the department's efforts to modernise the ration distribution system, with district administrations directed to complete beneficiary data preparation, validation and other technical requirements ahead of the prescribed deadlines.

During an online review meeting attended by senior departmental officials and district administrations, Bhagat directed the National Informatics Centre (NIC) and Punjab National Bank (PNB) authorities to expedite beneficiary data validation and whitelisting, besides creating login credentials for Fair Price Shop dealers.

PNB authorities were also asked to prepare a comprehensive training schedule for Jammu district to facilitate the onboarding of stakeholders ahead of the pilot launch.

The meeting also reviewed preparations for winter stocking of essential foodgrains, particularly in areas vulnerable to road closures and supply disruptions during adverse weather conditions.

Bhagat directed officials to accelerate the lifting and distribution of foodgrains before the onset of severe winter conditions and ensure completion of both six-month and three-month stocking requirements within the prescribed timelines.

The Food Corporation of India (FCI) was asked to ensure the supply of quality foodgrains to the department.

In another significant direction, district administrations were asked to identify remote and far-flung areas without petrol pump facilities and examine the feasibility of establishing department-owned fuel outlets in consultation with Oil Marketing Companies.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

The proposed outlets are intended to improve access to petroleum products in underserved areas, particularly during emergencies.

The Commissioner Secretary also reviewed Aadhaar-based electronic Know Your Customer (e-KYC) verification of beneficiaries covered under the National Food Security Act (NFSA).

District administrations were directed to organise special verification camps to cover beneficiaries whose e-KYC remains incomplete, including migrant ration card holders.

Bhagat also instructed officials to introduce the Face Authentication Application during the current month's ration distribution cycle to strengthen beneficiary verification at Fair Price Shops.

He stressed that verification must be carried out carefully to ensure that subsidised foodgrains reach genuine and eligible beneficiaries.

Districts achieving 95 per cent or higher e-KYC coverage would receive departmental appreciation, while consolidated progress could support proposals for additional funding and innovation under the Sarthak PDS project.

The department also announced plans to modernise five Fair Price Shops in each district through convergence with MGNREGA and other applicable government schemes.

District administrations were further directed to identify suitable land for additional granaries and government storage godowns, particularly in remote, border and far-flung areas, to strengthen foodgrain reserves and maintain supplies during emergencies.

The meeting was attended by Director General FCS&CA Jammu Rajesh Kumar Shavan, officials of FCI, Director IT Sanjay Gupta, Deputy Commissioners and Assistant Directors from districts across Jammu and Kashmir. (KNS)