Jan Bhagidari program on impact of PMGKAY held in Garo Hills

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaApril 25, 2022

As part of the “Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav Campaign” Jan Bhagidari Programme on Impact of Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY) was held for all the districts of Garo Hills region today at SMELC, Conference Hall, Dakopgre, Tura, where the Minister incharge, Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs Department, James P K Sangma graced the occasion as Chief Guest. The function was organised by Food Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Department, Shillong and Tura.

Appreciating the contribution and selfless service of all the officers of the department including the Fair Price Shop Dealers in ensuring free rice distribution for the economically backward section of the society during the Covid-19 pandemic times, the Minister James P K Sangma stated that this National Food Security Scheme had reach the beneficiaries on time and also benefitted them immensely. Mentioning that the scheme was implemented by Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi just after the lockdown was announced, he said that streamlining the availability of foodgrains in the region was challenging, but with the support and intervention of all concerned it was made possible and could distribute it to all beneficiaries successfully.

Moreover, he informed that the scheme has been extended till September, 2022 and added that at present covid cases are reducing but hoped that if the scheme is continued further it would have benefitted the people at large. The Minister also mentioned that ePOS system have been implemented by the Government of India in order to maintain transparency in Public Distribution system  and Fair Price Shop Dealers for the greater benefit of all.

In his brief address, Commissioner and Secretary, Food Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs, Meghalaya Shillong Pravin Bakshi informed that the PMGKAY scheme is a national flagship and ambitious scheme which has provided free ration during the pandemic and added that people have said that the scheme is a life saver for most people at the time of pandemic and lockdown. He further stated that as part of the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, this event is to showcase the positive impact of PMGKAY on beneficiaries and food safety during pandemic which calls for a celebration for the success story of the PMGKAY for ensuring nutritional and food security at the most difficult and challenging circumstances which have been able to perform well under the abled leadership and guidance of the Minister Incharge of Food and Civil Supplies department, he added.

The Deputy Commissioner, West Garo Hills, Tura Ram Singh also shared his experiences on how the district had responded during the pandemic including ensuring enough supply of essential commodities and foodgrains to the people of the region. He also expressed his appreciation to the district officials and hoped that the same to be continued in future for the benefit and welfare of the people in the area.

NFSA Ration Card holders of the district also spoke on the benefits of PMGKAY during the function.

During the function, the Chief Guest distributed the Appreciation Certificates to PDS Agents and Fair Price Shop Dealers in recognition for their excellent services provided to NFSA beneficiaries during COVID-19 pandemic and for timely lifting and distribution of NFSA and PMGKAY foodgrains to the Card holders even in the midst of many challenges and constraints.

Additional Deputy Commissioner, incharge (Supply),West Garo Hills Dolrich B G Momin were among others who spoke on the occasion while Sub-Divisional Officer (Civil), Dadenggre Civil Sub-Division, Vibhor Agarwall, OSD, Directorate, FCS & CA Meghalaya Shillong S War, Member, State Food Commission Dr, G K Marak, Member, District Consumer Commission, Lunna A Sangma, Deputy Director, Food Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs Department, Tura, West Garo Hills Nemson M Marak, Superintendent, Food Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs Department, Tura Juniko K Marak, Secretary, Mothers Union, Sume B Sangma, Representative from Nokma Council, Tura, Officers and staff, Suppliers and beneficiaries from all five districts of Garo Hills were present at the function.