SHILLONG: Supplies Minister, James PK Sangma is keen on introducing the e-POS (Electronic Point of Sale) system for streamlining the public distribution system (PDS) in the state.
Talking to reporters after a brief interaction with the staff during his surprise visit to the office of the Directorate of Food and Civil Supplies located at Lachumiere on Tuesday, Sangma said that the e-POS system is part of the Fair Price Shop Automation System (FPSAS) and automation system will tremendously bring about transparency in the system. “Personally I want to bring about more transparency and better streamlining in the overall functioning of the department,” he said.
It may be mentioned that the FPSAS has been designed and deployed to enforce complete transparency in PDS transaction among beneficiaries and fair price shop (FPS) dealers. The system focuses on driving authenticated transactions in order to reduce leakages and pilferage.
As per official figure, Andhra Pradesh is the first state in the country to automate all its FPS followed by Madhya Pradesh, Daman & Diu and Tamil Nadu.
Sangma also said that like their counterparts in other departments, staff members of the department have walked an extra mile to perform their duties as equal front-liners combating the pandemic and making sure that the state’s granary is full and working towards a situation, where every citizen in Meghalaya does not go hungry.
Giving credit to each and every staff of the department, the minister said, “A big congratulations to all our deputy commissioners, ADC Supply, SDO Supply, DDS, superintendent of Supply, inspector, sub-inspector, lifting officers besides all dedicated staff of directorate and district and sub-division, PMU team, technical team, contractual staff of Supply. You have done wonders in creating a national record of 100 per cent utilisation and 95 per cent lifting”.
Sangma also acknowledged the contribution and support of Food Corporation of India (FCI), and the family members of the staff members who have done their part.
Meanwhile, Food and Civil Supplies department director, Pravin Bakshi mentioned that this is the first visit of the Minister of Food Civil Supplies to the office of the directorate.
Bakshi said the minister gave some directions as to what the Department will embark in serving the people of the state better, especially, those who live in the margins.
