SRINAGAR, SEPTEMBER 25 (KNS) : Minister for Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs (FCS&CA), Information Technology, Youth Services and Sports, Satish Sharma held a detailed review meeting here today to assess the overall preparedness of FCS&CA department for ensuring uninterrupted availability of essential commodities during the forthcoming winter months in Jammu and Kashmir.

The meeting was attended by Commissioner Secretary FCS&CA, Saurabh Bhagat; Director FCS&CA Kashmir, Owais Ahmad and Assistant Directors of Kashmir Division besides representatives of Food Corporation of India(FCI).

Director FCS&CA Jammu, Rifat Kohli, Director Finance (FCS&CA), and all Assistant Directors of Jammu Division joined the deliberations through virtual mode.

At the outset, the Minister sought a comparative analysis of the dumping position of foodgrains during the month of October last year vis-à-vis the present status, and directed that adequate foodgrain stocks be positioned well in advance in snow-bound and far-flung areas. He emphasized that stocking should be sufficient to cater to at least six months of public requirement, considering the frequent road blockades and disruptions during peak winter.

Satish Sharma also reviewed the availability of petroleum products, including LPG, and instructed that special measures be taken to ensure dumping of adequate stocks in remote regions before the onset of winter. He stressed that priority must be accorded to LPG and kerosene supplies, given their critical importance for cooking and heating in sub-zero temperatures.

The Minister further reviewed the transportation mechanisms available in snow-bound areas, noting that reliance on conventional modes often leads to delays. He asked the officers to prepare contingency plans involving alternate transport systems, including load carriers, sledges, and coordinated movement through RTC vehicles, wherever feasible, to guarantee smooth supplies.

While reviewing the functioning of Smart PDS, the Minister acknowledged the benefits of transparency and efficiency it brings but took serious note of public grievances related to its implementation.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp ChannelHe instructed that dedicated grievance redressal cells be strengthened at district levels to promptly resolve consumer issues.

On the quality of rice and other foodgrains distributed through PDS, the Minister reiterated the Government’s zero-tolerance policy towards sub-standard supplies. He directed field officers to conduct frequent inspections at depots and Fair Price Shops and ensure that only quality-assured stocks reach the beneficiaries.

The progress of the e-KYC exercise was also reviewed threadbare during the meeting.

Satish Sharma underlined that completion of e-KYC is vital for eliminating bogus beneficiaries, preventing leakages, and ensuring rightful targeting of subsidies. He asked officers to expedite this process with active support from local administration. He asked them to organise awareness campaigns to encourage beneficiaries to complete their authentication at the earliest.

Reiterating the Government’s commitment to the welfare of the people, Minister said, “The primary responsibility of the administration is to ensure that no household in J&K suffers shortage of essentials during the winter. All necessary arrangements must be put in place well in advance, especially for those living in remote and snow-bound areas who face the brunt of harsh weather.”

The Minister appreciated the efforts of the Department in streamlining supplies but urged all officers to work in mission mode for timely completion of stocking and efficient implementation of reforms. He assured that the Government would extend full support, both logistically and financially, to ensure smooth and effective service delivery.

During the meeting, Commissioner Secretary gave a detailed presentation about the various measures being taken by the department for streamlining the ration distribution and also steps been taken for effective implementation of various new initiatives.(KNS)