In a bid to ensure distribution of ration among the beneficiaries under Food Security Act (FSA) Chief Minister Harish Rawat convened a meeting with Food and Civil Supply department officials at Bijapur guest house on Tuesday. During meeting he categorically asked the officials concerned to fix the accountability of District Magistrate for the distribution of ration cards to the recipient on priority basis. Even Minister incharge of districts were asked to keep a tab on it and instructed secretary to review the progress on day to day basis.
Taking cognizance on the complaints about slow distribution of ration card among beneficiary CM said that the card allocation work should be carried out in priority under the vigilance of the DMs districts. He asked them to ensure that all cards are distributed within time. The food security project should be monitored at the secretary level on daily basis. This he said should be done on priority. A block wise schedule should be drafted and sent to all DMs to assure that all the families get their cards.
The DM, CDO and ADM were asked to hold camps and ensure distribution of cards especially at urban areas. Even the ministers in charge of districts were asked to check the implementation of the food security program in areas under them. After three of four days of this, he personally will review the implementation of the program.
In case of any neglect in this work, an action will be taken against the official concerned. He has also asked them to make a plan to take godowns on rent from local people.This he said will help the state as the government won’t have to employ its resources in setting up of godowns and also help the locals. This will also help the Government set up food banks in villages and backward areas of the State.
It was informed during the meeting that the food security program was implemented in the state on 1st July 2014. A population of 61.94 lakh will benefit from this programme.The identified primary families in the state will be provided with 3 kg rice at the rate of three rupees and 2 kg rice at the rate of Rs 2.Food security program has been formed under the Food Security Act 16(2). Ration cards have been allotted to the families in urban areas. At the block level, cards were to be distributed in rural areas. Here also 85 to 90 per cent cards have been given.
Present in the meeting were Food Minister Preetam Singh, Principal Secretary Food Radha Raturi, Principal Secretary to the CM SS Sandhu, additional secretary Ravinath Raman and other officers from the department.