Srinagar, March 11: The government on Monday informed the Assembly that steps are being taken to enhance the number of ration sale depots across Jammu and Kashmir.
This was stated in response to an un-starred question (A.Q. No: 391) posed by MLA Jasrota constituency Rajiv Jasrotia regarding the distribution network and the inclusion of deserving families under the Public Distribution System (PDS).
Replying to a question of Rajiv Jasrotia, Minister Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs Satish Sharma said the distribution network of the Department is built up around 6,630 sale outlets in the shape of Fair Price Shops and Government Sale Centres.
“The department is contemplating the opening of new FPSs under the Jammu and Kashmir Targeted Public Distribution System (Control) Order, 2023. Since the elected government took office, elected representatives have been consulted to determine the need for additional FPSs,” he said.
Sharma said that priority will be given to establishing such shops in panchayats and other qualifying areas that currently lack these facilities.”
Regarding the augmentation of supplies under the Above Poverty Line (APL) category, he said food grains are being provided to Non-Priority Household (NPHH) beneficiaries at subsidized rates: Rs. 15 per kg for rice, Rs. 12 per kg for wheat, and Rs. 13 per kg for wheat flour.
“Efforts are being made to ensure the inclusion of all eligible households under the PDS.”
The Minister further informed the House, “Since the transition to the Ration Card Management System in September 2022, a total of 28,996 new ration cards under the National Food Security Act (NFSA) and 45,075 under the NPHH category have been issued to deserving households, including registered e-Shram beneficiaries who were previously not covered under the PDS.
“Standing orders have been issued to include any remaining eligible households,” he said.
Reaffirming the department’s commitment to ensuring food security, Sharma said, “all deserving families will be incorporated into the system to avail of the benefits of subsidized food grains.”
