Shadow Correspondent
SRINAGAR, NOV 05:
Commissioner Secretary Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs (FCS&CA) Department, Sourabh Bhagat, today chaired an online review meeting to assess the functioning and progress of various departmental initiatives being implemented across Jammu and Kashmir.
The meeting was attended by Director General, FCS&CA, Jammu, Rajesh Kumar Shavan; General Manager, Food Corporation of India (FCI), Director IT, Sanjay Gupta, Deputy Commissioners and Assistant Directors from each district through VC.
Director General FCS&CA Jammu, along with the Assistant Directors of the respective districts, gave a point-wise presentation on the latest status of departmental activities. These included lifting and distribution of foodgrains, winter stocking for six-month and three-month requirements, Aadhaar-based e-KYC, face authentication, CBDC implementation and other priority issues.
During the deliberations, the Commissioner Secretary directed the concerned officers to ensure expeditious lifting and distribution of foodgrains well before the onset of adverse weather conditions, particularly in view of the approaching winter and the possibility of disruption due to inclement weather. He stressed that both six-month and three-month winter stocking arrangements must be completed within the prescribed timelines. He asked the FCI authorities to ensure supply of quality foodgrains to the department.
Reviewing the status of petroleum products, the Commissioner Secretary directed the respective district administrations to identify the remote and far-flung areas where petrol pump facilities are presently unavailable. He asked for working out suitable modalities, in consultation with the Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs), for establishing departmental-owned petrol outlets to facilitate the general public, particularly during emergencies and other exigencies.
While reviewing implementation of the Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) project under the Public Distribution System, the Commissioner Secretary emphasized the need for coordinated efforts by all stakeholders to ensure its timely rollout as per the timelines prescribed by the Government of India. It was informed that the project is scheduled for pilot implementation in Jammu and Srinagar districts with effect from November 15, 2026, followed by Samba, Kathua and Udhampur districts by November 30, 2026 and thereafter across the entire Union Territory by December 31, 2026.
Sourabh Bhagat directed the district administrations and Assistant Directors to complete the requisite groundwork, beneficiary data preparation and other implementation-related modalities well in advance. He asked the NIC and PNB authorities to expedite beneficiary data validation and whitelisting besides creation of login IDs for Fair Price Shop (FPS) dealers, to ensure that the project is rolled out within the timelines. He urged the PNB authorities to prepare a comprehensive training schedule for Jammu district to facilitate smooth onboarding and capacity building of the concerned stakeholders.
The Commissioner Secretary also reviewed the progress on Aadhaar-based e-KYC of NFSA beneficiaries. He directed the district administrations to intensify efforts for completion of e-KYC of all left-out beneficiaries. He stressed implementation of the Face Authentication Application from the current month’s distribution cycle to strengthen transparency and ensure seamless authentication at Fair Price Shops.
Sourabh Bhagat directed the concerned officers to organize special e-KYC camps across districts and ensure saturation of beneficiary verification. He emphasized that districts achieving 95% or above e-KYC coverage would be suitably appreciated. The consolidated progress would also help the department take up the matter with the Government of India for additional funding and support for innovations under the Sarthak PDS project, he added.
He also stressed the need for genuine and rightful verification of beneficiaries to ensure that the benefits of the Public Distribution System reach only eligible beneficiaries. The status of e-KYC of migrant ration card holders was also reviewed, with directions to expedite the pending cases.
As part of the efforts to modernize the Public Distribution System, the Commissioner Secretary directed all district administrations to identify five Fair Price Shops in each district for modernization under the convergence plan involving MGNREGA and other applicable schemes.
Sourabh Bhagat directed the district administrations to identify suitable land for establishment of additional granaries and Government storage godowns, particularly in remote, far-flung and border areas. This will ensure uninterrupted availability of essential commodities during emergencies and other exigencies, he added.
