MP Indra Hang Subba calls for stronger PDS infrastructure in Sikkim at Consultative Committee Meeting

To strengthen food security and streamline the Public Distribution System (PDS) in Sikkim, a crucial meeting of the State-level Consultative Committee on Food Corporation of India (FCI) was held in Gangtok under the chairmanship of \Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha) Indra Hang Subba.

The high-level meeting was convened to evaluate the current performance of the Public Distribution System and propose strategic improvements. It witnessed the participation of senior officials from the Government of Sikkim and key representatives of the Food Corporation of India. Among the prominent attendees were Shri Man Mohan Singh Sarang, Regional Manager, FCI (West Bengal and Sikkim); Shri B. Ranga Prasad Nayak, Divisional Manager, FCI; Shri Sanjay Kumar, Additional General Manager, FCI Gangtok; Ms. Urvasi Poudyal, Director, ICDS Sikkim; Shri P.T. Bhutia, Principal Director, Mid-Day Meal, Government of Sikkim; and the Secretary of the Food and Civil Supplies Department, Government of Sikkim.

The meeting focused on strengthening the efficiency, reach, and accountability of the PDS, especially in remote and hilly areas where timely access to food grains remains a challenge. Hon’ble MP Shri Indra Hang Subba raised key issues concerning grain management, availability of essential commodities, and the geographical limitations that affect prompt delivery in Sikkim’s rural belt.

Subba stressed the importance of establishing additional FCI godowns in the state. Currently, Sikkim operates only two major storage depots—one at Rangpo in Pakyong District and the other in Jorethang under Namchi District. “There is an urgent need to create storage infrastructure in other districts to ensure faster and more balanced delivery of food grains,” the MP said. He noted that the absence of nearby depots often results in delayed distribution and transport difficulties during adverse weather conditions.

Another major proposal presented by Subba was the implementation of the Private Entrepreneurship Guarantee (PEG) Scheme under the PDS framework in Sikkim. The scheme, which promotes private investment in the creation of food storage infrastructure, could bring in much-needed capacity while also creating local employment opportunities. “Encouraging private players to build and maintain godowns will not only reduce the burden on the state but also enhance regional accessibility,” he added.

Highlighting the administrative bottlenecks faced by Sikkim, the Hon’ble MP urged the appointment of a dedicated Divisional Manager (DM) for FCI in Sikkim. At present, the Divisional Manager based in West Bengal holds additional charge of Sikkim, which the MP said was not ideal for effective monitoring and implementation. “An exclusive Divisional Manager based in Sikkim will improve coordination and allow for faster, localized decision-making,” Shri Subba emphasized.

Participants in the meeting appreciated the proactive approach and concrete suggestions made by the MP. Officials agreed that stronger coordination between central and state agencies is essential to bring about visible improvements in PDS services in Sikkim. The discussions also highlighted the need for enhanced digital monitoring, real-time stock updates, and periodic reviews at the district level.

Speaking on behalf of the FCI, Sarang acknowledged the logistical challenges of operating in a geographically sensitive state like Sikkim and expressed readiness to work in collaboration with the state government to overcome existing hurdles. He assured that the suggestions raised in the meeting would be taken up for serious consideration at the regional level.