The first regional camp on the National Food Security Act (NFSA) 2013 for the Garo Hills region was held in Resubelpara today.
The event organised by the office of the Deputy Commissioner (Supply) of North Garo Hills in tandem with Meghalaya State Food Commission, emphasised the purpose of the commission, which is to monitor and review the implementation of NFSA that distributes subsidised rations to the population.
Participants included representatives of self-help groups (SHGs), fair price shop (FPS) dealers, wholesalers, food security scheme beneficiaries, Nokmas and Sordars of the area.
Addressing the gathering as the chief guest, Deputy Speaker Timothy D Shira said the camp aimed to educate beneficiaries of various categories under the Public Distribution System (PDS) regarding their entitlement and rights under the NFSA and grievance mechanism for effective implementation of the act.
The NFSA encapsulates the Midday Meal scheme, Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) and the PDS. Shira pressed upon the implementing agencies to implement these schemes in letter and spirit by identifying deserving household beneficiaries, thereby enabling them to avail benefits from the schemes.
The importance of linking Aadhaar with ration cards was also elaborated during the programme.
Mendipathar MLA Marthon J Sangma said “there are many beneficiaries whose entitlements were halted for not linking with Aadhaar”. Therefore, enrolling and linking Aadhaar is mandatory for availing various public welfare schemes, he added.
Kharkutta MLA Rupert Momin urged the FPS dealers to maintain transparency in the distribution system. He also motivated the dealers and stakeholders to complain if discrepancy is found in the distribution system.
Meanwhile, special guest of the programme, PS Thangkhiew, Chairman of the Meghalaya State Food Commission, outlined the objective of the body. He stated that the commission acts as an arbitrator in ensuring that complaints and grievances it receives are resolved fairly. He further encouraged the participants to report or complain if they think their entitlement is not met.
Complaints can be made through the Meghalaya Public Grievances Redressal & Monitoring System website (www.megpgrams.gov.in) or via toll-free numbers 1971 and 1967.
