ANANTNAG: Minister for Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs (FCS &CA), Satish Kumar, today visited FCI Godown, Mir Bazaar and Lethpora and took stock of the availability of food grains and other essential commodities in the stores.
The Minister was accompanied by MLA Anantnag West, Abdul Majed Bhat (Larmi), Director FCS&CA Kashmir, Abdul Rashid War and other officers of the department.
The Minister was apprised that timely lifting and distribution of food grains is being ensured for all the districts of the Kashmir division. Besides, 2.78 lakh quintal of rice, 13000 quintal of Atta and around 1450 quintal of sugar has been released for distribution among the bonafide rationees of Kashmir division for the month of November.
It was further conveyed that the dumping of food grains for the main border areas of Kupwara and Bandipora district for 8 months upto June-2025 has successfully been completed. Besides, around 47000 quintal of Rice/Atta and 324 quintal of sugar has been made available in the border areas for the next 8 months.
It was further informed that food grains for 4 months of winter season have also being made available at 867 different Sale Centres/Fair price shops in the snowbound areas of Kashmir Division. And, 321943 quintal of Rice/Atta and 1510 quintal of sugar has been allocated for these areas, out of which, around 35% stands dumped and the rest shall be completed upto 15th of the current month.
Satish Sharma also interacted with the local residents of Mir Bazar and hamals available in these godowns who apprised him regarding their issues pertaining to Public Distribution System, stores transport etc. He assured all their issues would be addressed and genuine demands shall be taken up on priority.
He directed the authorities to ensure availability of food grains and other commodities round the clock to every person, especially during winter days.
The Minister asked the officials to work with added dedication and provide quality food grain to the public. He cautioned them that no compromise would be tolerated on the quality of food grains and warned stern action in case of any laxity in this regard. He impressed upon the officers to personally monitor the ration supply to far-flung and remote areas so that the people living in these areas get regular supply.
Satish Sharma also directed for proper stocking of sacks to prevent decay and other losses to food grains.
The Minister said that the Government is working tirelessly to streamline the food grains distribution and requisite steps are being taken to ensure hassle-free supply of ration to the people. He said that the Omar Abdullah-led government will leave no stone unturned to make hassle-free food grains available to every consumer wherever the requirement arises.
