Manipur's CAF&PD says over 21 lakh beneficiaries receive free rice under PMGKAY as digital reforms, Aadhaar-linked ration cards and a new rice mill strengthen the state's food security system.
Imphal, July 31: The Manipur Department of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution (CAF&PD) has outlined a series of measures aimed at strengthening food security, modernising the Public Distribution System (PDS) and improving consumer protection, highlighting the growing role of technology in delivering essential services across the state.
The initiatives were presented during the eighth session of the Directorate of Information and Public Relations (DIPR)'s "Meet the Press" programme held at the DIPR Auditorium in Imphal on Friday.
Addressing journalists, CAF&PD Director Y. Nelson said the department is implementing the National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013 through a technology-driven distribution system designed to ensure greater transparency, accountability and efficiency in delivering subsidised foodgrains.
Over 21 lakh beneficiaries covered
According to the department, around 21.13 lakh beneficiaries are currently covered under the National Food Security Act through 5.81 lakh ration cards issued under the Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) and Priority Household (PHH) categories.
The department said beneficiaries continue to receive free rice under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY), which has been operational since January 2023 and has now been extended by the Government of India until December 2028.
Each month, the state distributes 11,855.740 metric tonnes of rice under the NFSA framework.
Digital reforms transform ration distribution
Highlighting the department's digital transformation, Nelson said all 2,532 Fair Price Shops in Manipur have now been equipped with electronic Point of Sale (ePOS) devices, enabling biometric authentication and real-time monitoring of foodgrain distribution.
The department reported that 99.7 per cent of ration cards have been Aadhaar-seeded, while 99.6 per cent of beneficiaries have been linked with Aadhaar. It added that nearly 59 per cent of beneficiaries have completed the ongoing e-KYC verification process, which is expected to further improve the accuracy of beneficiary records.
Officials said these digital initiatives have significantly strengthened transparency while reducing the possibility of duplication and leakages within the Public Distribution System.
ONORC expands portability for beneficiaries
The department also highlighted the implementation of the One Nation One Ration Card (ONORC) scheme, which enables eligible beneficiaries to receive their foodgrain entitlement from any ePOS-enabled Fair Price Shop across India, irrespective of where their ration card was originally issued.
CAF&PD said additional digital interventions, including the Anna Chakra route optimisation system, GPS-based Vehicle Location Tracking System (VLTS) and computerised Supply Chain Management, have improved monitoring of foodgrain transportation while helping reduce logistics costs and ensuring timely deliveries.
Rice mill project to support local farmers
The department informed that construction of a 4 metric tonne-per-hour rice mill under the SASCI Project is nearing completion.
Officials said the facility is expected to strengthen decentralised paddy procurement in Manipur by providing improved market opportunities for local farmers while reducing the state's dependence on rice sourced from outside.
The project is also expected to improve procurement efficiency and contribute to long-term food security.
Price monitoring and consumer protection
Beyond foodgrain distribution, CAF&PD said it continues to monitor the prices of 18 essential commodities through the State Level Price Monitoring Committee to help maintain market stability and safeguard consumers.
The department also regulates the distribution of petroleum products, Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) and Superior Kerosene Oil (SKO), while conducting enforcement against hoarding, adulteration and black marketing.
Under the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY), the department reported that 2,28,979 LPG connections have been provided to eligible households across Manipur.
Consumer grievance redressal and legal reforms
CAF&PD said consumer protection remains another key focus area.
At present, the Manipur State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission and eight District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commissions are functioning under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019 to facilitate timely resolution of consumer complaints.
The department also outlined reforms in its Legal Metrology wing under the Ease of Doing Business initiative. These include online verification and registration services, a proposal to rename the Weights and Measures Department as the Legal Metrology Department, revised verification and stamping fees, and the development of a unified online portal for verification and registration.
Officials added that regular inspections are being carried out at markets, petrol pumps and LPG distribution centres to ensure compliance with legal standards.
Consumer awareness campaigns are also organised in schools, colleges and during major festivals, including Emoinu, Ningol Chakouba and Eid, to promote awareness of consumer rights and fair trade practices.
Concluding the briefing, the department reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening food security, improving consumer protection and expanding technology-driven public service delivery across Manipur.
