Shimla
A meeting with Fair Price Shop (FPS) dealers from different parts of Shimla district was held under the chairmanship of Dr. S. P. Katyal, Chairman of the State Food Commission, Himachal Pradesh, to discuss issues related to the functioning of the Public Distribution System (PDS).
The meeting was attended by Yogesh Chauhan (HPAS), Member Secretary of the State Food Commission, Deepak Datyal, Food Inspector from the Food Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Department, along with FPS dealers from Mehli, Totu, Chhota Shimla, Tutikandi, Kawalge and Beolia areas.
During the interaction, FPS dealers highlighted several operational challenges in the distribution system and suggested measures to improve the efficiency of Fair Price Shops. Discussions were also held on procurement, supply-related issues and the procedure for allotment of FPS units across the state.
Dealers raised concerns over frequent shortages in the weighing of food grains, especially rice stocks, during supply distribution. They also pointed out issues related to poor packaging and the use of hooks in sacks, which reportedly causes leakage and wastage of food grains during handling and transportation.
The meeting also reviewed the supply of food grains to schools under the Mid-Day Meal and PM Poshan Scheme. FPS dealers expressed concern over shortages in supplies received from the Himachal Pradesh State Civil Supplies Corporation (HPSCSC).
Discussions were further held on the implementation of the One Nation One Ration Card (ONORC) scheme. Officials informed that existing ePOS machines are not fully interlinked due to technical limitations. Suggestions were made for platform upgradation and integration of weighing machines with ePOS devices to improve transparency and efficiency in the distribution process.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. S. P. Katyal said FPS dealers play a crucial role in ensuring food security to the public. He stressed the need for greater transparency, accountability and timely supply under the Public Distribution System and assured that the issues raised would be taken up with the concerned authorities for necessary action and reforms.
