Punjab Newsline, Shimla-
Chairman, State Food Commission, Dr. S.P. Katyal, chaired a review meeting on Wednesday to assess the implementation of entitlements under the National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013 and the Himachal Pradesh Food Security Rules, 2019.
During the meeting the progress of key schemes including the Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS), PM-POSHAN, Integrated Child Development Scheme (ICDS) and Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY) was reviewed in detail.
Dr. Katyal emphasized the need for effective monitoring of these schemes to ensure that benefits reach all eligible beneficiaries in a timely and transparent manner. He directed officers to strengthen the grievance redressal mechanism and to enhance public awareness about the role and functions of the commission. He further instructed that hoardings and notice boards be installed at fair price shops, schools and anganwadi centres, displaying details of entitlements and contact information of the commission, so that beneficiaries can directly report any non-receipt of benefits.
Referring to the recent natural disasters in the State, Dr. Katyal laid special stress on ensuring uninterrupted delivery of food security entitlements during emergencies such as heavy rainfall, cloudbursts and landslides. He urged all concerned departments to remain vigilant and ensure that rations and other benefits are distributed to the people without delay during such situations.
Members of State Food Commission Hemis Negi and Hitesh Azad, Member Secretary Yogesh Chauhan and senior officers from the Departments of Women and Child Development, Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs and School Education were present in the meeting.