ITANAGAR, 11 Aug: Governor KT Parnaik on Tuesday recommended greater use of digital tools for efficient food distribution.

During a meeting with State Food Commission Chairman Tarh Tarak at the Lok Bhavan here, the governor suggested end-to-end digitisation of the supply chain through GPS-enabled transportation, electronic point of sale (e-PoS) devices, Aadhaar-enabled authentication and real-time monitoring systems. These measures, he said, would improve transparency, reduce pilferage, and ensure timely delivery of food grains across the state.

Tarak and Parnaik discussed strengthening food security mechanisms, improving service delivery, and ensuring that welfare benefits reach every eligible citizen, particularly those living in remote and border areas of the state.

The governor emphasised the importance of transparency and accountability in the implementation of food security programmes. He advised the commission to promote regular social audits of the public distribution system (PDS), midday meal scheme and Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS).

Such measures, he said, would help identify gaps, prevent leakages and enhance public trust in welfare schemes while ensuring that benefits reach the intended beneficiaries.

The governor underscored the need to look beyond food availability and focus on nutrition security. He advocated inclusion of locally available nutritious foods such as millets, fruits, vegetables, eggs and pulses in government nutrition programmes.

Special attention, he said, must be given to children, pregnant women, lactating mothers, and other vulnerable groups to combat malnutrition and build a healthier Arunachal Pradesh.

The chairman was accompanied by State Food Commission members Maji Chokar and Ngasah Tanjang. (Lok Bhavan)