BASAR, 27 Aug: The Arunachal Pradesh State Food Commission (APSFC), led by its Chairman Tarh Tarak, along with members Maji Chokar and Ngaasah Tangjang, conducted a comprehensive review of the implementation of various schemes under the National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013 during an official visit here in Leparada district on Wednesday.

The visiting team was received by the district administration, led by ADC Tamo Riba, along with SDO Aastha Singh, CO Dr MN Taloh, Asunam Perme and other HoDs/officials.

The commission convened a review meeting with the heads of line departments at the DC's conference hall, focusing on assessing the implementation and ground-level delivery of food and nutrition-related schemes, identifying operational challenges and bottlenecks, and examining measures required to ensure effective delivery of entitlements to eligible beneficiaries.

During the meeting, commission member Tangjang apprised the participants of the powers, functions and extraordinary jurisdiction of the APSFC. He informed that the commission has been undertaking district-wise visits to obtain firsthand information on the actual implementation and delivery of foodgrains and other entitlements at the grassroots level.

Major NFSA-linked schemes and programmes being implemented in the district were reviewed during the meeting. Under the Department of Food & Civil Supplies, the status of Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) and priority household (PHH) beneficiaries were reviewed, along with issues relating to carriage of foodgrains, Aadhaar seeding and e-KYC updation of ration card holders and their family members.

DFCSO Marke Karlo apprised the commission of the status of implementation and the challenges being faced.

The status of nutrition-related interventions under the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) was presented by ICDS CDPO Sito Riba. The presentation covered the supplementary nutrition programme and hot cooked meals provisions and status, among other things.

DDSE Tomi Doke briefed the commission on the implementation of PM POSHAN in government schools. He also highlighted issues concerning the low honorarium of cooks and the requirement for construction of kitchen sheds in some of the remaining schools in the district.

The commission also reviewed the implementation of Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY) under the Health Department. DMO Dr Karmar Dirchi apprised the commission of the status of the scheme and related interventions in the district.

The grievance redressal mechanism under the NFSA was also reviewed with ADC (HQ) Tamo Riba, who also functions as the district grievance redressal officer. The commission emphasised the importance of an accessible and responsive grievance redressal mechanism to ensure that beneficiaries are able to seek timely resolution of issues relating to food security entitlements.

APSFC Chairman Tarak stated that, since his assuming office in October 2025, the commission has been undertaking phase-wise visits to districts across the state with the objective of obtaining firsthand information on the implementation of food security programmes and understanding the challenges prevailing at the ground level.

He emphasised that such field-level assessments would help the commission identify systemic gaps and facilitate appropriate policy interventions.

Highlighting the logistical challenges posed by Arunachal Pradesh' difficult terrain and adverse weather conditions, he informed that the Food Corporation of India (FCI) has been directed to maintain adequate surplus stocks of foodgrains at godowns to meet exigencies and ensure uninterrupted availability during emergencies.

He directed the authorities concerned to strengthen beneficiary identification and digital monitoring under the ICDS, and instructed the CDPO to ensure proactive use of the Poshan Tracker application, so that all eligible beneficiaries are enrolled and no deserving beneficiary is left out.

Emphasising the importance of Aadhaar-based authentication in ensuring continued delivery of foodgrains, the chairman directed the Department of Food & Civil Supplies to work towards 100 per cent e-KYC updation of all eligible beneficiaries.

Expressing concern over the issue of food adulteration, Tarak stated that the commission is taking serious cognisance of the matter. He noted that the absence of adequate food sample testing facilities within the state results in additional expenditure and logistical difficulties, as samples have to be sent outside the state for testing.

He informed that the commission proposes to pursue the establishment of two food sample testing centres - one each in the eastern and western regions of the state - to strengthen the food safety monitoring mechanism.

The chairman further informed that the issue of construction of kitchen sheds in the remaining schools under PM POSHAN would be addressed in a phased manner. He also stated that the matter concerning the honorarium of PM POSHAN cooks is being taken up with the government for consideration.

The commission emphasised on coordinated efforts by all departments concerned to strengthen service delivery and ensure that the benefits guaranteed under the NFSA, 2013 reach all eligible beneficiaries in a timely, transparent and effective manner. It further noted that the ground visit and review meeting with agencies acts as an important platform for the commission to assess gaps in implementation and deliberate on corrective measures. (DIPRO)