BASAR, Aug 26: The Arunachal Pradesh State Food Commission (APSFC), led by its Chairman Tarh Tarak, reviewed the implementation of various schemes under the National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013, during its official visit to Leparada district, with emphasis on strengthening food security delivery, achieving 100 per cent e-KYC and addressing gaps in beneficiary coverage.
The APSFC Chairman, accompanied by Commission Members Maji Chokar and Ngaasah Tangjang, held a review meeting with heads of concerned line departments at the DC’s Conference Hall here on Wednesday. The visiting team was received by ADC Tamo Riba, along with Aastha Singh, IAS (P), SDO Dr M N Taloh, CO (HQ) Asunam Perme and other officials.
The meeting assessed the ground-level implementation of food and nutrition-related schemes and examined operational challenges affecting delivery of entitlements to eligible beneficiaries.
Commission member Ngaasah Tangjang briefed the participants on the powers and functions of the APSFC, stating that the Commission was constituted in 2019 under Section 16 of the NFSA-2013 as a statutory body mandated to monitor and safeguard food security entitlements. He said the Commission has been undertaking district-wise visits to obtain first-hand information on implementation at the grassroots level.
The Commission reviewed the status of Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) and Priority Household (PHH) beneficiaries under the Department of Food & Civil Supplies, including foodgrain transportation, Aadhaar seeding and e-KYC updation of ration card holders and their family members. DFCSO Leparada Marke Karlo apprised the Commission of the implementation status and challenges.
The status of nutrition interventions under Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) was presented by CDPO, ICDS Project Basar, Sito Riba, covering the Supplementary Nutrition Programme and Hot Cooked Meals. DDSE Tomi Doke briefed the Commission on PM POSHAN implementation in government schools and highlighted the need for kitchen sheds in some schools and better honorarium for cooks.
The Commission also reviewed Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY) under the Health Department. DMO Dr Karmar Dirchi presented the status of the scheme and related interventions. The grievance redressal mechanism under the NFSA was also reviewed with ADC (HQ) Tamo Riba, the District Grievance Redressal Officer.
Emphasising the need for uninterrupted foodgrain supplies, Chairman Tarh Tarak said the Food Corporation of India (FCI) had been directed to maintain adequate surplus stocks at godowns, particularly in view of Arunachal Pradesh’s difficult terrain and adverse weather conditions.
He directed authorities to strengthen beneficiary identification and digital monitoring under ICDS and ensure proactive use of the Poshan Tracker so that no eligible beneficiary is left out. He also called for 100 per cent e-KYC updation of eligible beneficiaries to ensure continued access to foodgrain entitlements.
Expressing concern over food adulteration and the lack of adequate testing facilities within the State, Tarak said the Commission proposed to pursue the establishment of two food sample testing centres, one each in the eastern and western regions.
He further said construction of remaining kitchen sheds under PM POSHAN would be taken up in phases, while the issue of cooks’ honorarium was being taken up with the Government.
The Commission called for coordinated action by all concerned departments to ensure that NFSA entitlements reach every eligible beneficiary in a timely, transparent and effective manner.
DIPRO Likabali adds: The Arunachal Pradesh State Food Commission team led by its Chairman Tarh Tarak visited Lower Siang district on Thursday and held a meeting with the district administration and heads of departments at the DC conference hall, Likabali, to acquaint officers with the implementation and monitoring of the National Food Security Act (NFSA) and other important issues.
The Chairman outlined the provisions of the Act and the roles of stakeholders in its effective implementation and monitoring to ensure its benefits reach the people. He desired that the line of meeting and coordination is maintained to ensure effective implementation of the Act. He appreciated the district administration, led by Deputy Commissioner Gobi Nyicyor, for the logistical support.