Showcause notices to BSO Potka and Gudabandha, directive to open six additional paddy procurement centers by December 31

Jamshedpur: A review meeting of the Supply and Cooperation Department was held under the chairmanship of Deputy Commissioner Ananya Mittal in the Collectorate Auditorium, Jamshedpur. The meeting focused on reviewing the lifting and distribution of food grains, distribution of pulses, salt, and sugar, implementation of the Dakia Yojana, Sona Sobran Dhoti-Saree Yojana, and other departmental schemes.

During the review of food grain lifting and distribution, it was found that under the National Food Security Act (NFSA) and the Jharkhand State Food Security Scheme (JSFSS), the distribution rate was lower than the state average. Block Supply Officers and Marketing Officers reported that several ration cardholders were not lifting rations despite holding ration cards, leading to a lack of progress in distribution percentages and creating vacancies for new ration cardholders. The Deputy Commissioner directed officials to verify the ration cardholders who have not lifted rations for six months and ensure their cards are canceled so that eligible individuals can be issued ration cards.

The distribution of salt among beneficiaries was also found to be unsatisfactory. Instructions were given to ensure 100% distribution of salt to all cardholders within the stipulated timeframe. Block Supply Officers and Marketing Officers were directed to ensure that all public distribution system (PDS) dealers in their areas promptly deposit the bank drafts for sugar at the prescribed price and ensure its timely lifting and distribution.

Under the Dakia Yojana, officials were instructed to ensure that food grain packets are mandatorily delivered to the homes of all PVTG cardholders in their areas during the first week of every month.

In the review of paddy procurement progress, the District Cooperative Officer reported that 46 paddy procurement centers were planned for Kharif Marketing Season 2024-25 across the district, of which 40 centers are currently operational. The District Cooperative Officer was instructed to inspect the remaining six centers and ensure they are operational by 31 December 2024.

The meeting was attended by the Special Division Officer, District Cooperative Officer, all Marketing Officers, Block Supply Officers, and Assistant Warehouse Managers.