Assam: Minister Kaushik Rai convenes review meeting in Sonitpur

OUR CORRESPONDENT

TEZPUR: The Minister of Food, Public Distribution & Consumer Affairs, Mines and Minerals, and Barak Valley Development Kaushik Rai convened a review meeting with officials from the Department of Food, Public Distribution & Consumer Affairs in Sonitpur district today. The meeting, held at the Conference Hall of the District Commissioner’s Office, Sonitpur, was attended by MLA of Tezpur LAC Prithiraj Rava, Commissioner of Food, Public Distribution, Consumer Affairs & Legal Metrology Ananda Das, District Commissioner Ankur Bharali, and ADC (F.PD&CA) cum Co-District Commissioner of Dhekiajuli Dyotiva Bora, among others.

During the meeting, the minister reviewed the current status of NFSA/ration cards operational in the district. He highlighted the ongoing deliberations on rationalizing staff allocation across districts based on the number of functional ration cards, Fair Price Shops (FPS), and other relevant parameters to strengthen the public distribution system in Assam. Rai reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring that all eligible beneficiaries promptly receive their ration cards.

Addressing the issue of AADHAAR seeding, the minister directed officials to expedite the process, verify the existing ration card beneficiaries facing difficulties, and ensure that no eligible beneficiary is deprived of entitlements. He also focused on resolving the challenges faced by “zero transaction” FPS, emphasizing the need to eliminate bottlenecks affecting the public distribution system.

Commissioner Ananda Das briefed the meeting on the department’s functions in the district and highlighted the transition to an online ration card distribution system.

Speaking with Legal Metrology officials, Rai stressed the importance of strict monitoring of FPS operations and suggested forming joint task forces with other stakeholders to enhance vigilance. He underscored the importance of transparency and accountability in the system to benefit the underprivileged sections of society.

The meeting also deliberated on the status of paddy procurement in the district, strategies to enhance public awareness campaigns, current market rates of essential commodities, and the e-KYC updation process. Rai commended the efforts of the district administration and urged all stakeholders to collaborate toward achieving a fair and equitable public distribution system.

Deputy Director of Supply, Sonitpur Giridhar Deka, along with other departmental officials, District Agriculture Officer, FCI representatives, PPC managers, millers, grocery shopkeepers, and members of the North Assam Chambers of Commerce, actively contributed to the discussions.

Also Read: Assam: School Bus Accident in Umrongso Kills One Student, Injures 15

Also Watch: