By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Nov 20: Meghalaya government on Thursday moved to craft a five-year vision plan for the Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS) in the state. In this connection, Food Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs Minister Methodius Dkhar underscored that safeguarding food security for every resident of Meghalaya continues to be the government’s foremost priority, particularly for families in remote and vulnerable regions.
The decision followed a state-level workshop convened by the Department of Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs in partnership with the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP). The workshop served as a platform to map out reforms needed to strengthen TPDS, which currently provides essential entitlements to over 21 lakh people—nearly 80 per cent of the state’s population—and plays a central role in achieving Sustainable Development Goal 2 on Zero Hunger.
Dkhar noted that the exercise marked a significant step in shaping a modern, accountable and inclusive system. He emphasised that digital upgrades and evidence-based planning would guide the reforms as the government works toward a delivery structure that does not leave any beneficiary uncovered.
WFP Representative and Country Director Elisabeth Faure said Meghalaya’s effort to modernise its public distribution mechanism sets a strong precedent for the region. She added that WFP is supporting the state through a participatory and data-driven approach to improve supply chains and safety nets for better food and nutritional outcomes.
During the workshop, officials and stakeholders framed a unified vision and identified strategic priorities for TPDS. They also focused on aligning reforms with national guidelines and SDG benchmarks.
The discussions strengthened links between TPDS and related sectors such as agriculture, nutrition, livelihoods and rural development.
A comprehensive roadmap was drawn up outlining timelines, responsibilities and monitoring mechanisms to guide implementation. Participants reviewed field experiences, assessed gaps in performance and proposed practical interventions aimed at driving long-term improvements in the state’s food security architecture.
