Shillong, Jan 22: Meghalaya State Food Commission (MSFC) Chairman Donald P Wahlang has urged village authorities and the public to actively support Aadhaar Seeding and e-KYC, stating that low e-KYC coverage could impact future food grain allocations.
Wahlang was addressing a regional camp at Dkhiah West in East Jaintia Hills, to spread awareness on food security mechanisms and public entitlements.
He said that the awareness programme is being organised in order to educate the public about their rights under the National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013.
Wahlang said the MSFC food security through three major channels, distribution of ration through the Public Distribution System (PDS), nutritional support for students through PM POSHAN and nutrition for pregnant and lactating mothers and children below six years through Anganwadi Centres under the Social Welfare Department.
He emphasised that food security is a legal entitlement under the NFSA and that beneficiaries can lodge complaints if their entitlements are denied.
MSFC member Dr. M Tyngkan in his address highlighted the significance of the programme in educating the people on how government welfare mechanisms function. He explained in detail on the role of the Food Commission and the functioning of ration and food security schemes. He explained that departments such as Social Welfare and Education play a crucial role in ensuring food availability in schools and villages made available through various welfare schemes of the government.
Dr. Tyngkan further highlighted the importance of nutritional and balanced diet, stressing that food security is not only about access to foodgrains but also about ensuring adequate intake of essential nutrients such as proteins, carbohydrates and minerals. He pointed out that protein intake is vital for physical growth, mental development and cognitive functioning, especially among children and working individuals, as it helps in the repair and development of brain cells.
West Jaintia Hills Deputy Commissioner, Abhinav Kumar Singh and Sub-Divisional Officer, Amlarem Civil Sub-Division, Vevotulu Kezo, presented overviews of the best practices adopted by their respective offices with regards to the implementation of the NFSA.
Food Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs officials gave a detailed presentation highlighting the rules, provisions and functions as spelled out in the NFSA with particular emphasis on its effective implementation and grievance redressal mechanisms.
Awards were also presented to the Best performing Fair Price Shop (FPS) dealers with regards to e-KYC implementation. The awardees are N Dkhar of Moolamanoh ‘A’, Hunmon Lang Syrti of Mookympad and Umlangsha FPS Centre.
Dakini Bareh was awarded Best Anganwadi Worker and Best ICDS Centre was conferred upon Rymbai Shkenshynriah under Khliehriat ICDS.
Other highlights of the programme include a short skit performed by Anganwadi Workers of East Jaintia Hills District, an awareness song on Aadhaar Seeding and others.
