Public Distribution System Strengthened in Shimla District

Shimla, December 22, 2025:

Deputy Commissioner Anupam Kashyap chaired a review meeting of the District Level Public Distribution System (PDS) Committee on Monday, assessing quarterly performance and issuing key directives to ensure uninterrupted food supply through ration depots across the district.

DC Kashyap informed that ration is being distributed through 624 fair price shops, including 347 cooperative societies, 229 individual shops, 2 women mandals, 4 gram panchayats and 41 food corporation outlets. Between September and November, 1,308 inspections were carried out, revealing irregularities in 13 depots, leading to penalties of ₹12,200. Out of 37 food samples tested in the June–August period, 4 were found unsatisfactory.

Approval was granted to open new fair price shops in villages Sarahan (Baragaon GP), Khamadi, Vajaiti and Runkli under respective blocks.

The DC directed officials to ensure proper storage of food items, maintain quality, and guarantee smooth supply to prevent inconvenience to the public. Strict action will be taken if any depot is found selling substandard or damaged food items.

In the vigilance review, officials shared that 55,839 ration card beneficiaries have been flagged as suspicious, which may significantly affect the selection of eligible beneficiaries under the National Food Security Act.

The meeting was attended by ADC Divyanshu Singal, District Controller (Food & Civil Supplies) Narendra Dhiman and other officials.