To enhance the understanding and effectiveness of the National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013, the 1st Regional Camp on National Food Security Act, 2013 for Khasi Jaintia Hills Region was held today at Shangpung Village in the Moolibang Community Hall, Shangpung. The Regional Camp was organised by the office of the Deputy Commissioner (Supply), West Jaintia Hills District. Deputy Commissioner of West Jaintia Hills Shri. B.S Sohliya, IAS in his welcome address outlined the objective of the gathering.
Minister incharge of Food Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs Shri. Comingone Ymbon, along with Chairman of State Food Corporation Shri. P.S Thangkhiew attended the Regional Camp.
Minister Shri. Comingone Ymbon, in his address said the purpose and primary goal of organising the regional camp was to educate the public, especially the beneficiaries, about their rights under the National Food Security Act, 2013 and also to make the public understand the importance of linking their Aadhar cards with their ration cards. He reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring that the benefits of the NFSA reach the rightful beneficiaries, while calling for the cooperation of the beneficiaries to make this possible.
The Minister requested the village headmen to look into any grievances in their communities and ensure fairness in the distribution system. He urged the well-off beneficiaries to voluntarily withdraw their names so that the more deserving household gets the benefit. He also stressed the urgency for beneficiaries to link their Aadhar with their ration cards, as time will come when those who fail to do so may lose their entitlements. At that time neither the government nor the supply can be held responsible.
He further encouraged citizens to report complaints if they arise to the vigilance committee at the village level and if unsolved escalate the issue to the Deputy Commissioners or the directorate of supply. However, he emphasised that complaints cannot be solved if they are not formally filed with appropriate authorities.
Regarding the ration cards, he added that there has been a delay in issuing new ones due to postponement of the census caused by COVID-19. He assured that the government plans to resume the census in 2025 which will help to resolve the pending issues.
Shri. P S Thangkhiew, Chairman Meghalaya State Food Commission who also spoke, encourage the beneficiaries to report any shortcomings of irregularities they face emphasizing their right to seek redressal, if they encounter issues such as inadequate distribution, denial of benefits or other related grievances they can file complaint through established mechanism, the office of the Deputy Commissioners Supply, Directorate of Food civil and Supplies, Helpline and online portals. The Food Commissioner stated that strict actions can be taken against individuals or officials for any irregularities or violations in the distribution system.
Shri. S K War, from the office of Food Civil Supplies and Consumers Affairs delivered a comprehensive presentation on National Food Security Act, 2013, emphasising on the need for Aadhar card seeding to ensure efficiency and transparency in the supply of rations to the beneficiaries. He informed that Aadhar card has been introduced as a solution to ensure that subsidies reach the intended beneficiaries. By locking Aadhar numbers with Ration cards, the government can uniquely identify beneficiaries, eliminate duplication and enhance transparency in the distribution process. He also elaborated on the Aadhar seeding process, which includes collecting Aadhar numbers, verifying them and enabling biometric authentication for foodgrain distribution.
He urged the citizens to actively participate in the seeding process to strengthen the implementation of NFSA and improve the efficiency of food distribution.
He also informed that filing of complaint can be done contact the department of Food, Civil Supplies and Consumers Affairs in the toll-free number 1967 or whatsapp +919402327737 during office working hours, or they can filed a complaint online using the Meghalaya Public Grievance Redressal and Monitoring system (megPGRAMS) at www.megpgrams.gov.in. Complaints can be filed in writing, telephone, WhatsApp or online to the District Grievance Redressal Officer (DGO) and Assistant Grievances Redressal Officer (AGRO).
Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO) Sadar, East Jaintia Hills District Shri. Aditya Verma, IAS, Assistant Commissioner South West Khasi Hills District, Mawkyrwat Shr. A L Bareh, MCS, officials from the other district of Khasi Hills were present to address the public, urging them to cooperate for transparent distribution of NFSA benefits. They also highlighted the challenges they faced in making the public understand the importance of linking Aadhaar with ration cards. Several awareness programmes have been conducted to educate people about the processes and its significance.
The Member Secretary of the Meghalaya State Food Commission Smt. D M Suja, MCS and Member Shri. Ravi Gurung who was also present addressed the public.
To further create public awareness Josephas Thongni and his team from West Khasi Hills District performed a song focused on Aadhar awareness, creatively conveying the importance of linking Aadhaar with ration cards.