SANJAY PANDEY
Providing insights into the achievements of the schemes implemented by the Department of Food, Public Distribution, and Consumer Affairs over the past four years, the department’s Secretary, Mr. Amitabh Kaushal, stated that the department is working diligently towards food security. He shared this information during a press conference at the Information and Public Relations Department.
Kaushal highlighted that a significant portion of the state’s population is benefitting from various schemes of the Food Security Department. The department is actively working at different levels to implement these schemes. The Nutrition Security scheme, incorporating innovative elements, is extending benefits to around 66 lakh beneficiary families, providing subsidized items like gold-bordered dhotis, lungis, and saris under the Clothing Distribution Scheme.
Additionally, the state government has established sufficient rice procurement centers in all districts for paddy acquisition, setting a target of 6 lakh metric tonnes for the Kharif marketing season 2023-24. The decision to provide bonus payments to farmers, beyond the minimum support price fixed by the central government, aims to boost their income.
Under the National Food Security Act 2013 and the Jharkhand State Food Security Scheme (JSFSS), approximately 65,98,574 covered families are receiving monthly distributions of garments at Rs. 10 each. Moreover, the government is distributing 1 kg of chickpeas per family at the rate of Rs. 1 per kilogram as part of the National Food Security Act and JSFSS.
To enhance the distribution process, digital weighing machines are being installed in all ration shops across the state. Out of a total of 25,282 distribution outlets, 23,944 have already implemented digital weighing machines, and the remaining are undergoing installation. In certain districts, 4G network-based e-POS machines are being used for food distribution.
The government aims to transform all state-run distribution outlets into Common Service Centres (CSCs) to further develop the distribution system and increase income for outlet owners. This move is expected to have a positive impact on the financial well-being of those involved in the distribution of essential commodities.
