Srinagar, March 11: The Jammu and Kashmir government announced on Tuesday that the Department of Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs (FCS&CA) has issued 74,071 new ration cards since September 2022. This initiative aims to ensure that all eligible households are included in the Public Distribution System (PDS).
In response to a question from MLA Rajiv Jasrotia, the Minister in charge highlighted the government’s ongoing efforts to bring all left-out families into the PDS. “Since the transition to the Ration Card Management System (RCMS) in September 2022, we have issued 28,996 new ration cards under the National Food Security Act (NFSA) and 45,075 under the Non-Priority Household (NPHH) category,” the department stated. This ensures that eligible households receive the benefits they deserve.
The government also reported that the current distribution network includes 6,630 sale outlets, which consist of Fair Price Shops (FPS) and Government Sale Centres. To further improve access, the government is considering opening new Fair Price Shops under the Jammu and Kashmir Targeted Public Distribution System (Control) Order 2023, especially in panchayats that currently lack such facilities.
Additionally, the government plans to involve elected members in identifying and finalizing the requirements for new Fair Price Shops across Jammu and Kashmir. This process will prioritize the establishment of outlets in areas that meet the necessary criteria as per policy.
Regarding 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 rate of 5 kg per person per month. The approved sale rates for food grains are Rs 15 per kg for rice, Rs 12 per kg for wheat, and Rs 13 per kg for wheat flour.
This initiative reflects the government’s commitment to ensuring food security and accessibility for all eligible families in Jammu and Kashmir, helping to improve the quality of life for residents across the region.
