Gyalshing hosts awareness programme on National Food Security Act 2013
Addressing the gathering, Chief Guest Lok Nath Sharma commended the initiative, emphasizing that it aligns with Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang’s vision of ensuring access to quality food grains for every beneficiary in the state.
LOCAL
In commemoration of 50 years of Sikkim’s Statehood, the Sikkim State Food Commission, in coordination with the Food and Civil Supplies Department, Gyalshing District, organized a daylong awareness programme on the National Food Security Act (NFSA) 2013 at the Community Hall, Gyalshing Bazar.
The NFSA legally entitles up to 75% of the rural population and 50% of the urban population to receive subsidized food grains under the Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS). The Act adopts a life-cycle approach, ensuring special provisions for pregnant women, lactating mothers, and children aged 6 months to 14 years through Anganwadi Centres (ICDS scheme) and the Mid-Day Meal scheme in schools.
The event was graced by Area MLA of Gyalshing Bermiok, Lok Nath Sharma, as the Chief Guest, alongside Deeki Doma Bhutia, Additional Secretary (F&CSD), Arjun Rai, District Civil Supplies Officer (DCSO) Gyalshing, and representatives from Gyalshing Nagar Panchayat, Food Producers’ Society, Fair Price Shop Owners, and other key officials.
Addressing the gathering, Chief Guest Lok Nath Sharma commended the initiative, emphasizing that it aligns with Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang’s vision of ensuring access to quality food grains for every beneficiary in the state. He advised the Food and Civil Supplies Department to stock sufficient food grains in designated godowns ahead of the monsoon season to avoid shortages. He also urged the public to understand the Act’s provisions and spread awareness at the gram panchayat level.
Additional Secretary Deeki Doma Bhutia elaborated on the grievance redressal system under the three-tier Vigilance Committee at the State, District, and Block levels. She also stressed the importance of biometric allocation for beneficiaries, which must be completed before the March 31 deadline.
DCSO Arjun Rai provided insights into the NFSA 2013, detailing the benefits available under schemes such as Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) and Priority Household (PHH). He highlighted the importance of Poshan Yukta Rice and the E-KYC process for ration cardholders, also noting that ration cards can now be used across the country.