DC for regular monitoring of Shimla fair price shops

Deputy Commissioner Anupam Kashyap chaired a meeting of the District Level Vigilance Committee and Public Distribution System in Shimla today, directing officials to ensure regular monitoring of fair price shops to curb irregularities and ensure swift corrective action.

He emphasised the need to strengthen the public grievance redressal mechanism to uphold transparency and accountability in the distribution of food grains. Members of the committee put forward various suggestions regarding stock availability, issues faced by ration cardholders, and quality checks. The DC assured them that necessary steps would be taken to address their concerns.

Under the National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013, a total of 66,230 families, comprising 269,425 individuals—261,336 in rural and 8,089 in urban areas—have been selected so far in Shimla district. However, the selection of 18,406 families, comprising 167,365 individuals (113,009 rural and 54,356 urban), is still pending.

The DC said the Additional District Magistrate, Law and Order, Shimla, has been appointed as the District Grievance Redressal Officer under the Act. He noted that no complaints have been received regarding inadequate or poor-quality food grains distributed under the scheme.

The meeting also reviewed applications for the allotment of 22 fair price shops. Kashyap directed that shops should be allotted only if applicants meet eligibility criteria and have completed all formalities. If not, the allotment should be re-advertised.

The DC reiterated the administration’s commitment to ensuring food security for all eligible families in a fair and transparent manner.