Shillong, Nov 18: The state government on Thursday signed two MoUs to streamline and strengthen the public distribution system.
The memorandums were signed with the UN-World Food Programme and the Common Service Centre-SPV on the day when Minister for Food, Civil Supplies and Consumers Affairs James Sangma inaugurated a one-day awareness programme on National Food Security Act 2013, One Nation One Ration Card and Consumer Protection Act, 2019, at Yojana Bhavan in the city.
Meghalaya became the first state in the east to sign the MoU with the UN for strengthening the supply chain management.
Sangma termed the signing of the MoUs as a landmark achievement that will go a long way in augmenting food security in the state.
“The synergy between the World Food Programme and CSC will immensely benefit the countless beneficiaries across the state through better services… Although India has the largest food security system in the world, the Sustainable Development Goal 2 of zero hunger is a big challenge and concerted efforts of all stakeholders is crucial to achieve the goal,” he said.
On behalf of the department, the MoUs were signed by the principal secretary of the department, Dr Shakil P. Ahammed. The deputy country director of World Food Programme, Eric Kenefick, and the regional head at Common Service Centre, Gyan Doley, were the other signatories.
The state government is also in the process of setting up the Commission for Consumer Dispute and Grievances Redressal so that citizens can flag issues related to government schemes and benefits.
Sangma said the department’s initiative to install electronic point of sale devices in over 4,500 fair price shops across the state has borne fruits. The FPS Automated Project has ensured greater transparency and efficiency, besides enhanced food security.
Ahammed stressed the need to train PDS shop owners and build the system so that it works seamlessly.
