Sikkim State Food Commission hosts awareness programme on National Food Security Act
Diki Doma Bhutia, Additional Secretary of FCSD & Member Secretary of SSFC, provided an overview of the Sikkim State Food Commission’s role in ensuring the effective implementation of welfare schemes.
LOCAL
The Sikkim State Food Commission (SSFC), in collaboration with the Food & Civil Supplies Department (FCSD), organized a one-day awareness programme on the National Food Security Act (NFSA) 2013 in Namchi today. The event, held as part of the 50th anniversary celebrations of Sikkim's Statehood, aimed to educate the public on various schemes and benefits under the Act.
The programme was attended by Bhoj Raj Rai, Minister for Food & Civil Supplies Department, as the Chief Guest, along with Satish Chandra Rai, MLA Namchi-Singhithang, as the Guest of Honour. Other dignitaries included Dr. S.K. Rai, Chairman of SSFC, Panchayat leaders, officials from FCSD, SISCO Bank, United Insurance Company, and other government representatives.
In his address, Minister Bhoj Raj Rai emphasized the importance of consumer rights and urged citizens to stay vigilant. He encouraged Panchayat bodies to organize Gram Sabhas to spread awareness about government schemes and urged beneficiaries of AAY, PHH, OPH, and NPH schemes to update their E-KYC and biometric data to continue receiving benefits. He also warned retailers against malpractices, stating that violations would lead to license revocation and legal action.
Dr. S.K. Rai, Chairman of SSFC, highlighted the Consumer Rights Act and the role of the Consumer Affairs Department in addressing public grievances. He informed attendees about the E-KYC process and the E-Dakhil website, which allows citizens to register complaints online. He also stressed the importance of proper nutrition and hygiene, particularly for children and families.
Diki Doma Bhutia, Additional Secretary of FCSD & Member Secretary of SSFC, provided an overview of the Sikkim State Food Commission’s role in ensuring the effective implementation of welfare schemes. She shared key resources, including the toll-free helpline (1800-3453-236), the Nodal Officer’s contact (9832344649), and the official website (www.sikkim.impds.grams.nic.in) for grievance redressal.
Speaking at the event, Tenzing Bhutia, DCSO Namchi, highlighted the government’s commitment to ensuring food security, emphasizing the nutritional quality of rice distributed under the NFSA, which includes essential nutrients like Vitamin B12, iron, and folic acid. He urged beneficiaries to complete their biometric data updates for uninterrupted benefits.
Moreover, Laxuman Tamang, CDPO of the Women, Child, Senior Citizens & Divyangjan Welfare Department, elaborated on the ICDS and Anganwadi schemes, while Tilak Chettri, Assistant Director of the Education Department, discussed the PM Poshan scheme (formerly Mid-Day Meal scheme), providing statistics on rice distribution in the district.