The Food Security – Smart Ration Cards Group, a consultative group recently constituted by Punjab Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh, on Tuesday reviewed the food security schemes at length and recommended certain modifications in the implementation of existing schemes to streamline the food grains distribution system and to bring more transparency and efficacy into the process.
Chief Minister had constituted the consultative groups to accelerate the pace of implementation of the State Government’s flagship programmes under the chairmanship of the state’s Food and Civil Supplies Minister Bharat Bhushan Ashu, comprising of Rural Development and Panchayats Minister Tript Rajinder Singh Bajwa, Social Security Minister Aruna Chaudhary, seven MLAs, besides senior officers.
In its maiden meeting, the Group suggested ease in verification procedure for Smart Ration Card beneficiaries. It was observed that inordinate delay occurs in verification of identified beneficiaries due to the concerned Performa being passed from office of Patwari to Deputy Commissioner.
Hence, it has been suggested that in rural areas, Patwaris, Block Development Officers and District Food Supply Controller or his nominee, and in urban areas, Inspectors of Municipal Committees, Executive Officers and Secretary or Superintendent Level officers, and in areas falling under Cantonment Boards, the nominee of the respective Deputy Commissioner may verify the forms of the beneficiaries.
The Group opined that this simplification in the identification or verification of the beneficiaries will go a long way increasing the reach of food security schemes.
Besides, it has been proposed that to maintain transparency in the procedure, regular random checks into the data may be made to the tune of 10 percent by Sub-Divisional Magistrates (SDMs) and five percent by the Deputy Commissioners.
The Food Security Group also proposed to rope in more Depot Holders so that the beneficiaries may not travel far to get the subsidized food grains. Village-wise re-verification of data of existing beneficiaries was also suggested.
Aiming greater outreach to the needy, the Group agreed to bring youth hostels, old age homes and orphanages under the preview of subsidised ration.
Commencement of pulses distribution for the smart card holders from the next food grain distribution cycle also garnered cent percent support of the members of the Group.
Ashu said that the consultative groups, set up by the Chief Minister to review and modify flagship government schemes, have been mandated to review and assess the performance of the programmes or schemes and give their respective recommendations for further improvements.
“They are also to recommend amendments or updating of the existing guidelines of the schemes or programmes to improve their coverage with effective participation of communities or citizens, besides suggesting ways and means to improve outreach of these programmes or schemes,” he said adding that the Food Security – Smart Ration Cards Group has done the same and would submit its report to the Chief Minister for consideration of the Council of Ministers.
