HT Bureau
NAMSAI, July 10: Prasenjit Deb, a senior officer from the Department of Food and Public Distribution (DFPD), Government of India, concluded a three-day official visit to Namsai, an aspirational district in Arunachal Pradesh, from July 8 to 10.
The purpose of the visit was to assess the functioning and implementation of various central food security schemes and initiatives under the DFPD.
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According to an official statement, Deb was accompanied by a team comprising officials from the Department of Food and Civil Supplies and the Food Corporation of India (FCI).
During the course of his visit, he inspected multiple Fair Price Shops (FPS) and food depots in the district.
He was joined by the District Food and Civil Supplies Officer (DFSCO) of Namsai, officers from the FCI Regional Office in Itanagar, and divisional heads from FCI Divisional Offices in Banderdewa and Pasighat.
The central officer interacted directly with beneficiaries of the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY) and other stakeholders involved in the Public Distribution System (PDS).
During these interactions, he stressed the importance of fortified rice and its nutritional benefits, and explained the measures being taken to improve transparency and efficiency in food distribution.
In particular, Deb highlighted the need for establishing WhatsApp groups at the level of individual Fair Price Shops.
These groups, comprising beneficiaries and vigilance committee members, would serve as a platform to disseminate vital information on schemes, redressal mechanisms, and operational updates, thereby ensuring greater community engagement and accountability.
On the second day of his visit, Deb held a meeting with the Deputy Commissioner of Namsai district to discuss various issues concerning the execution of food security programmes.
They reviewed administrative preparedness, logistical efficiency, and ways to further strengthen the delivery mechanism in the region.
The visit of the senior central government officer to this aspirational district underscores the Centre’s commitment to ensuring effective implementation of the Public Distribution System, particularly in remote and underserved areas.
The official statement added that such visits are part of the government’s broader strategy to promote good governance, enhance transparency, and ensure food security for all.
