Shimla DC Directs Faster Coverage of Eligible Families Under Food Security Act

Shimla, October 28: Deputy Commissioner Anupam Kashyap has directed officials to expedite the remaining targets under the National Food Security Act, 2013, to ensure that all eligible families receive subsidised foodgrains. He also announced that fair price shops would be opened in new panchayats where no such depot currently exists, while licences of shops found to have been sublet would be cancelled.

The directions were issued during a meeting of the District-Level Vigilance Committee, which reviewed the implementation of food security schemes and the public distribution system in Shimla district.

According to the review, 8,089 people have been covered against the target of 62,445 in urban areas, leaving 54,356 yet to be covered. In rural areas, 2,61,336 people have been covered against a target of 3,74,345, while 1,13,009 remain to be covered.

Among urban areas, the Shimla Municipal Corporation has covered 6,267 people against a target of 53,230. Narkanda has yet to cover any beneficiaries against its target of 280.

In rural areas, Chaupal has covered 50,082 people against a target of 63,407, while Theog has covered 36,662 against 49,741. The figures were reviewed to identify gaps and accelerate the inclusion of eligible beneficiaries.

The committee also reviewed foodgrain allocation and distribution under the Act for July to September 2026. The departmental data recorded an allocation of 1,698 quintals of rice, of which 1,402 quintals were distributed. For fortified wheat flour, the allocation was 1,402 quintals, while distribution was recorded at 1,704 quintals.

Officials also discussed related welfare schemes, including the mid-day meal programme for children aged 6–14, nutritional support for pregnant and lactating women, and nutrition and food schemes for children aged six months to six years.

To strengthen the public distribution system and improve access to ration supplies, the district is considering proposals to open new fair price shops at several locations across Shimla city and rural development blocks. The release lists 23 proposed locations, including Jhatgatan in Jubbal, Khaneti and Sarahan in the Narkanda area, Kuf tadhar and Lower Khalini in Shimla city, Sunni, Shah in Rampur, Dodra, Chaupal, Nerwa and Sheelghat, among others.

Kashyap stressed that the remaining coverage targets must be completed promptly and called for better coordination among departments to ensure that eligible families receive the benefits of the National Food Security Act.