SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir government on Tuesday informed that the Department of Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs (FCS&CA) has issued 74,071 new ration cards since September 2022, ensuring the inclusion of left-out households.
In response to a question by MLA Rajiv Jasrotia, the Minister in charge, said that the government has taken consistent measures to bring all left-out eligible families under the Public Distribution System (PDS).
“Since the transition to the Ration Card Management System (RCMS) in September 2022, 28,996 new ration cards have been issued under the National Food Security Act (NFSA) and 45,075 under the Non-Priority Household (NPHH) category, ensuring that eligible households are not deprived of benefits,” the department stated.
The government also noted that the distribution network currently consists of 6,630 sale outlets, including Fair Price Shops (FPS) and Government Sale Centres.
It added that it is considering opening new Fair Price Shops (FPS) under the Jammu and Kashmir Targeted Public Distribution System (Control) Order 2023, particularly in panchayats without such facilities.
“The government has also decided to involve elected members in identifying and finalizing the requirements for new Fair Price Shops across Jammu and Kashmir. This process will prioritize opening outlets in areas that meet the criteria as per policy,” it said.
Regarding the augmentation of ration supplies for the Above Poverty Line (APL) category, the government stated that food grains are provided to beneficiaries under the Non-Priority Household (NPHH) category at a scale of 5 kg per person per month. The approved sale rates are Rs 15 per kg for rice, Rs 12 per kg for wheat, and Rs 13 per kg for wheat flour. (KNO)
