DEOMALI, 16 Sep: A team of the Arunachal Pradesh State Food Commission (APSFC), led by its chairman Tarh Tarak, reviewed the implementation of the National Food Security Act (NFSA) in Tirap district.

Addressing officials of the district administration, food and civil supplies department, FCI, and other concerned departments during a review meeting held here on Wednesday, APSFC member Ngasah Tangjang highlighted the evolution of India's food distribution system. He informed that the Commission has quasi-judicial powers aimed at safeguarding the interests of vulnerable sections of society.

Tangjang also reviewed the status of beneficiaries covered under the Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) and Priority Household (PHH) categories and discussed challenges in the implementation of various welfare schemes.

Deomali ADC Tana Bapu requested the Commission to take up the matter of the timely renovation and maintenance of the godown, "which is in a severely dilapidated condition and poses a risk to the safety of the building and stored foodgrains."

Deomali depot in-charge Ashok Deka apprised the Commission of the challenges arising from the deteriorating condition of the godown. He informed that approximately 50 MT of PDS rice was currently in stock despite the infrastructure-related difficulties.

He further requested the competent authority to take necessary measures for the early renovation of the godown, "which is housed in an Industrial Estate building and operated by FCI on a rental basis."

The Commission also discussed challenges in the implementation of welfare schemes, including the Supplementary Nutrition Programme and Janani Suraksha Yojana, particularly in view of limited financial resources.

Later, Tarak inspected the FCI godown in Deomali, which serves the foodgrain distribution requirements of Tirap and Longding districts.

Expressing concern over the dilapidated condition of the building, he informed that the matter regarding its maintenance and renovation had already been taken up with the concerned authorities. "Necessary steps were being taken to address the infrastructure issues and to ensure the safe storage and distribution of foodgrains for beneficiaries in both districts," he said.

Tarak directed the depot in-charge and the civil supplies departments in Tirap and Longding districts to maintain proper records, strictly adhere to statutory guidelines, and intensify awareness campaigns so that beneficiaries are fully informed about their entitlements and access procedures under the NFSA.

The APSFC team also visited the Eklavya Model Residential School (EMRS), Khela, to take stock of the implementation of the PM POSHAN scheme, including the provision of mid-day meals to students.

Assistant commissioner Indira Thomuong Riba, DFCSO Bompi Kadu, Soha CO Toko Kacha, among others, attended the programme.

The visit was part of a four-district tour covering Tirap, Changlang, Lower Dibang Valley, and Namsai to assess the implementation of food security schemes, the availability of foodgrains, and the distribution arrangements for beneficiaries. (DIPRO)