Kangra Reviews Public Distribution System

4.70 Lakh Ration Card Holders Receive Foodgrains Worth ₹62.68 Crore

Dharamshala, August 11: A district-level review meeting of the Public Distribution System (PDS) and Vigilance Committee was held in Kangra under the chairmanship of Additional Deputy Commissioner Vinay Kumar, with officials directed to ensure foodgrain quality, timely supplies and complete transparency in the distribution system.

It was informed that between March and July 2026, foodgrains worth ₹62.68 crore were distributed through 1,161 fair price shops to 470,948 ration card holders across the district.

The Additional Deputy Commissioner directed officials to ensure that every eligible consumer receives the prescribed quantity of foodgrains on time. He also stressed maintaining the quality of foodgrains and strengthening transparency in distribution. Necessary measures were directed to ensure a smooth supply of LPG cylinders across the district.

During the five-month period, the Department of Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs conducted 7,164 inspections. Irregularities were detected in 56 cases, resulting in the recovery of ₹8.38 lakh towards security and price-difference amounts. In addition, ₹16,500 was recovered under polythene compounding and ₹10,000 was collected as penalties for the commercial use of domestic LPG cylinders.

Vinay Kumar directed officials to keep public interest at the forefront and make the PDS more effective, transparent and consumer-friendly. He also emphasised regular inspections and continuous monitoring of the system.

The meeting reviewed foodgrain distribution under the Antyodaya Anna Yojana, Priority Households and other categories. The implementation of schemes under the National Food Security Act and nutrition-related Central and state government programmes was also assessed.

Officials provided updates on ration distribution, foodgrain quality, grievance redressal, mid-day meals in schools, prescribed diet charts, food quality and sanitation facilities. Arrangements for child care and nutrition at Anganwadi centres, as well as regular health check-ups and nutritional support for pregnant and lactating women and newborns, were also reviewed.

DFSC Purushottam Singh informed the meeting that 919 complaints had been received through the Mukhyamantri Seva Sankalp platform, seven through the e-Samadhan portal and 30 through other channels during the past five months. All complaints have been addressed, he said.

He added that ration distribution at all fair price shops in the district is being carried out through POS machines using facial recognition and OTP-based authentication.

Nine Fair Price Shops and Three Branches Approved

The committee also considered various applications received from different parts of the district. Approval was granted for opening nine fair price shops and three branches, while seven new fair price shops were also approved. Officials were directed to complete the required formalities within the stipulated timeframe.

Samagra Sikhsha