Union MoS reviews PDS in Dimapur; says 24/7 ration access will ease migrant beneficiaries
The Union Minister of State for Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, Nimuben Jayantibhai Bambhaniya on Thursday proposed the introduction of a 24/7 “Grain ATM” system in Nagaland to improve accessibility and convenience in ration distribution.
The proposal was made during her official visit to Dimapur district, where she reviewed the implementation of Public Distribution System (PDS) and other welfare schemes at the grassroots level.
Referring to an initiative launched in her constituency in Gujarat, the Minister said that a ‘Grain ATM’ was installed on the birthday of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to enable beneficiaries to withdraw ration items round the clock. “While ATMs are usually associated with cash withdrawals, this Grain ATM allows people to access their entitled food grains 24/7,” she said.
She added that Union Home Minister Amit Shah has also introduced a similar facility in his constituency.
Expressing her desire to see the system introduced in Nagaland, Bambhaniya said that Grain ATMs would complement the ‘One Nation One Ration Card’ (ONORC) scheme by making food distribution more accessible, particularly for migrant labourers who are entitled to draw rations anywhere in the country.
During the visit, the Minister was received by Advisor for Food & Civil Supplies and Legal Metrology, T. Sukhalu, and was accorded a guard of honour at the Police Complex, Chumoukedima.
She inspected a Fair Price Shop at Padumpukhiri village and interacted with Self-Help Group members. At Aoyimti village, she visited the Health & Wellness Centre, Anganwadi Centre, and reviewed a Jal Jeevan Mission project site.
Interacting with villagers at Padumpukhiri and Aoyimti, the Minister stated that under the leadership of Narendra Modi, free rations are being provided to over 80 crore beneficiaries under what she described as the world’s largest food programme. She said that even during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Prime Minister ensured that no poor person slept hungry.
The Minister also held discussions with officials to assess operational efficiency in food distribution and reviewed the implementation of welfare and public distribution schemes at the grassroots level.
Reiterating the Centre’s commitment to the development of the northeastern region, she assured continued support to make the region developed and self-reliant.
