Comprehensive Review of Jammu and Kashmir Ration Shop Network
The Jammu and Kashmir administration has initiated a comprehensive review of its Fair Price Shops (FPS) network to enhance the efficiency, transparency, and accessibility of the public distribution system. This strategic overhaul aims to evaluate the necessity of new ration shops while rationalizing the existing ones based on economic viability and geographical reach.
Responding to a query by MLA Hasnain Masoodi in the legislative assembly, Minister for Food, Civil Supplies, and Consumer Affairs Satish Sharma detailed the government's ongoing efforts. The administration is meticulously examining the number of ration cards attached to each shop, the feasibility of operations, and the overall service delivery in remote and hilly terrains.
Key Parameters for Establishing New Fair Price Shops
The establishment of new ration shops in the union territory will no longer be an arbitrary process. The government has laid down strict parameters, prioritizing economic viability to ensure that dealers can sustain their operations smoothly. Additionally, the density of population and the distance to the nearest existing outlets are being factored into new proposals.
Furthermore, technological compliance remains a non-negotiable prerequisite. New FPS proposals must incorporate mandatory digital infrastructure, including electronic point-of-sale (e-PoS) machines, electronic weighing scales, and Aadhaar authentication systems, ensuring absolute accountability and curbing leakages in the distribution chain.
"We are committed to ensuring that every citizen, especially in remote and inaccessible terrains, receives their rightful entitlements without any hassle. The ongoing review and committee recommendations will reshape the PDS landscape in Jammu and Kashmir." — Satish Sharma, Minister, Food and Civil Supplies
Focus on Remote and Tribal Communities
Reaching marginalized populations living in scattered habitations has historically been a logistical challenge. To bridge this gap, the government has formed a dedicated committee tasked with relaxing existing norms for setting up FPS in remote and tribal pockets. The recommendations of this committee will pave the way for establishing localized distribution points where traditional demographic criteria previously posed hurdles.
Through active participation under central umbrella schemes like 'Sarthak-PDS', the administration aims to upgrade transportation, handling mechanisms, and dealer margins, thereby transforming the grassroots-level food security apparatus into a robust and responsive system for all residents.
