ZIRO, 18 May: Arunachal Pradesh State Food Commission (APSFC) Chairman Tarh Tarak reviewed the implementation of the National Food Security Act (NFSA) during a meeting here in Lower Subansiri district on Monday.
The high-level gathering brought together administrative leaders from both Lower Subansiri and Keyi Panyor districts, focusing on a shared goal: ensuring that every eligible citizen receives their rightful share of nutrition with dignity and ease.
The tone of the meeting was set by member Ngasah Tangjang, who walked the house through the history of food distribution – from the restrictive rationing of the British era to the modern, rights-based framework of the NFSA. He reminded those in attendance that the commission’s judicial powers, equivalent to a civil court, exist to protect the most vulnerable members of society.
During the session, the discussion turned towards the practical hurdles that families face.
While the DFCSO provided updates on the thousands of households supported by the AAY and PHH schemes, the chairman was quick to address technical frustrations. He specifically pointed out irregularities with ePOS machines, and directed the department to resolve these digital bottlenecks, so that technology serves as a tool for transparency rather than a barrier for the public.
Officials from the health and social welfare sectors, including CDPOs and the DMO, spoke about the challenges of managing programmes like the Supplementary Nutrition Programme and Janani Suraksha Yojana amid funding constraints. Their reports highlighted the day-to-day realities of frontline service delivery in the region.
In his closing remarks, Tarak combined appreciation with a clear mandate for the future. He shared his satisfaction with the well-maintained FCI godown but insisted that the region’s next milestone must be the establishment of a dedicated food testing laboratory. His message was clear: ensuring that food is available is the first step, but ensuring that it is safe and of high quality is equally essential.
The meeting concluded with a directive to all heads of departments across both districts to maintain impeccable records and strictly follow statutory guidelines. More importantly, the chairman urged everyone to step up public outreach, ensuring that every family in Lower Subansiri and Keyi Panyor understands their benefits and knows exactly how to access them. (DIPRO)
