FSA training for vigilance committees

Ranchi: The state minister for food civil supplies and consumer affairs, Saryu Rai, on Wednesday invited over 1,000 district and state vigilance committee members to attend a day-long training programme in Ranchi on Friday.
The state vigilance committee comprises MPs, MLAs and other public representatives.
Vigilance committees at the district level were formed to ensure the proper implementation of National Food Security Act (NFSA) and distribution of foodgrains through public distribution system (PDS) outlets.
Rai told media on Wednesday that vigilance committee members will be able to work efficiently when they are aware about new regulations under NFSA and widespread implementation of technology in procurement and distribution of food grains through the supply chain management system being handled by the state government.
"Members should be aware about the equipment used to weigh food grain, the process to update information, GPS installed in vehicles and tracking other technology-related matters that check pilferage and ensuring food grain availability," said Rai.
Rai said district and state vigilance committees will be required to submit a written application to deputy commissioners or district grievance redressal officers if NFSA norms are violated.
"Committee members can inspect PDS outlets and its offices and can also extend suggestions to the state government about removing bottlenecks identified in course of interaction with potential beneficiaries," said Rai.
Rai said beneficiaries should have Aadhaar cards. "FIRs will be lodged against offenders," he cautioned.