Dy Speaker bats for effective Food Security Act implementation in GH

TURA, Dec 4: Deputy Speaker Timothy Shira has called on implementing agencies to ensure the National Food Security Act (NFSA) 2013 is executed in letter and spirit by identifying deserving households to benefit from the schemes.
Addressing the gathering at the first regional camp on NFSA for the Garo Hills region at the Mendipathar Cooperative Society Hall in Resubelpara on Wednesday, Shira said the camp is aimed at educating beneficiaries about their entitlements and rights under the Public Distribution System (PDS), as well as grievance mechanisms under the NFSA.
Shira, who was the chief guest, also urged the implementing agencies to identifying deserving households for the effective implementation of the National Food Security Act, so that they benefit from the same.
It is pertinent to note that the Act, which incorporates schemes such as the Midday Meal, Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS), and PDS, seeks to ensure food security for the most vulnerable. The importance of Aadhaar linkage for ration cards was also stressed during the programme, which was organised by the Deputy Commissioner’s (Supply) Office, North Garo Hills, in collaboration with the Meghalaya State Food Commission, Shillong,
During the programme, Mendipathar MLA Marthon J Sangma highlighted the issue of halted entitlements due to the absence of Aadhaar linkage, urging beneficiaries to complete the process. On the other hand, Kharkutta MLA Rupert Momin addressed the need for transparency among Fair Price Shop (FPS) dealers, encouraging them to report any discrepancies in the distribution system.
Meanwhile, Chairman of the Meghalaya State Food Commission, PS Thangkhiew, outlined the Commission’s role as an arbitrator to resolve grievances. He urged participants to utilise tools such as the online grievance portal (www.megpgrams.gov.in) and toll-free numbers (1971, 1967) for complaints.
East Garo Hills Additional Deputy Commissioner Diana Guri Sangma, on the other hand, stressed the need for consumer awareness and encouraged participants to voice concerns about irregularities in the system.
The programme also featured sessions on Aadhaar benefits, best practices and PDS implementation, and was attended by self-help groups, FPS dealers, wholesalers, beneficiaries of food security schemes, and local community leaders such as Nokmas and Sordars.