ROING, 19 Sep: Arunachal Pradesh State Food Commission (APSFC) Chairman Tarh Tarak and member Maji Chokar held a review meeting with the Departments of Food & Civil Supplies, Health & Family Welfare, Education, and Woman & Child Development with regard to the implementation of the NFSA schemes, here in Lower Dibang Valley district on Saturday.

Tarak said that "we are committed to reach all corners of the state, hear and know the problems and redress the grievances faced during the scheme implementation. We will place the issues highlighted by the house before the government."

The chairman informed that the state government is committed to constructing 364 kitchen sheds in schools for preparation of midday meals (MDMs). He further stated that enhancement of rate of construction of kitchen sheds, provision of kitchen utensils in schools, provision of LPG cylinders for preparation of MDMs, and enhancement of honorarium of cooks are some of the points that the commission is pursuing with the government for better implementation of the PM Poshan Shakti Abhiyan under the NFSA.

Tarak also apprised the house of the issue of food adulteration and the need for setting up of two food testing laboratories in the state and the requirement of portable food testing kits.

Chokar presented a brief on the jurisdiction, power and functions of the APSFC, and stated that it is empowered under the NFSA to check and review the status of schemes and their implementation at the grassroots level.

ADC Lui Shiba, DMO Dr SJ Mitapo, DRCHO Dr Raju Mena, DDSE Amih Lego, the CDPOs of Roing, Dambuk and Hunli blocks, and SDFCSO Mudang Bagang briefed the commission on the status of schemes, and highlighted the issues faced by them.(DIPRO)