States/UTs to explore additional revenue streams to improve the financial viability of Fair Price Shops: Secretary, DFPD

Delhi,

States/UTs to explore additional revenue streams to improve the financial viability of Fair Price Shops (FPS), said Shri Sanjeev Chopra, Secretary, Department of Food and Public Distribution while interacting with States/UTs during a conference of Food Secretaries on Friday here.

One of the best practices on FPS transformation was demonstrated by the Secretary, Government of Tamil Nadu highlighting multiple initiatives undertaken such as selling of commodities, minor millets, grocery items, ISO certification of FPSs during his presentation.

Secretary, DFPD appreciated the persistent efforts of Tamil Nadu and stressed on the significance of transformation of FPS.

Secretary, DFPD chaired the conference in which important issues linked with various schemes of the Department including Implementation of Rice Fortification, One Nation One Ration Card (ONORC), Smart PDS, Route Optimization etc.  were discussed in details with the Food Secretaries of States and UTs. In his inaugural address, he impressed upon the State Governments for extending all possible support in holistic implementation of the schemes and programmes of DFPD.  

Shri Chopra said that Government of India is aiming to achieve full distribution of fortified rice in all government programmes by the year 2023-24. The ecosystem is fully geared up to achieve the target and States/UTs have been requested to strengthen their respective machinery in order to be fully prepared to ensure the procurement, supply and distribution of fortified rice as per the stipulated timeline. The FCI is conducting this initiative all over the country.

He appreciated the efforts taken by States in ensuring food grains to migrants under the One Nation One Ration Card (ONORC) scheme. As an outcome of the scheme, more than 91 crore portability transactions have been recorded since its inception. Representative from Nandurbar (Maharashtra) shared the insights on the initiatives taken such as creation of district dashboard and migrants’ profile in order to reduce the malnutrition.