DEOMALI, Sep 16: Chairman of the Arunachal Pradesh State Food Commission (APSFC) Tarh Tarak reviewed the implementation of food security schemes, availability of foodgrains and distribution arrangements during a joint review meeting held at the Food Corporation of India (FCI) Godown here.
The meeting was part of the Commission’s four-district tour covering Tirap, Changlang, Lower Dibang Valley and Namsai districts to assess the implementation of schemes under the National Food Security Act (NFSA).
Officials from the District Administration, Food and Civil Supplies Department, FCI and other concerned departments attended the meeting.
APSFC Member Ngasah Tangjang highlighted the evolution of India’s public distribution system from the rationing system during the colonial period to the rights-based framework under the NFSA. He said the Commission’s quasi-judicial powers are aimed at safeguarding the interests of vulnerable sections of society.
Tangjang also reviewed the status of beneficiaries under the Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) and Priority Household (PHH) categories and discussed challenges in implementing various welfare schemes.
ADC Deomali Tana Bapu thanked the APSFC team for inspecting the FCI godown and assessing the available PDS rice stock and infrastructure. He urged the Commission to take up the issue of timely renovation and maintenance of the godown, which is reportedly in a severely dilapidated condition and poses risks to the building as well as stored foodgrains.
Depot In-charge Ashok Deka apprised the Commission of the difficulties arising from the deteriorating condition of the godown and informed that around 50 MT of PDS rice was currently in stock.
He also requested the competent authority to undertake early maintenance or renovation of the godown, which is located in an Industrial Estate building operated by FCI on a rental basis.
The Commission also reviewed challenges in implementing welfare schemes, including the Supplementary Nutrition Programme and Janani Suraksha Yojana, particularly due to limited financial resources.
Following the meeting, Chairman Tarh Tarak inspected the FCI godown, which caters to the foodgrain distribution requirements of Tirap and Longding districts.
Expressing concern over the dilapidated condition of the building, Tarak said the issue of its maintenance and renovation had already been taken up with the concerned authorities. He said necessary steps were being pursued to address the infrastructure concerns and ensure safe storage and distribution of foodgrains.
He directed the Depot In-charge and the Civil Supplies Departments of Tirap and Longding to maintain proper records, adhere strictly to statutory guidelines and intensify awareness campaigns so that beneficiaries are fully informed about their entitlements and procedures for accessing benefits under the NFSA.
The programme was also attended by Assistant Commissioner Indira Thomuong Riba, DFCSO Bompi Kadu, CO (Soha) Toko Kacha, Technical Assistant Grade-III T Pharung Awungshi, IPR representative Gawang Sumpa and others.
Later, the APSFC team, led by Chairman Tarh Tarak, visited the Eklavya Model Residential School (EMRS), Khela, to assess the implementation of the PM POSHAN Scheme, including the provision of mid-day meals to students.