Operation of FPSs for adequate duration during the COVID period etc.-reg.
By E-mail
The Principal Secretary / Secretary,
Food & Civil Supplies Department,
All States/UTs.
Sub:- Operation of FPSs for adequate duration during the COVID period etc.-reg.
Sir/Madam,
I am directed to inform that representations are being received in this Department stating that during the current lock-down in some States/UTs, Fair Price Shop (FPSs) timings have been curtailed due to which the intended beneficiaries might not be getting adequate time to lift their entitled foodgrains.
2. The Government of India has taken pro-poor measures to minimize the economic hardships being faced by the NFSA beneficiaries during the second wave of Covid-19 by providing them additional foodgrain for the month of May-June 2021 under Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PM-GKAY III), free of cost, @ 5 kg per person per to all NFSA ration card holders to ensure the food security of around 80 crore poor and needy beneficiaries covered under NFSA apart from regular foodgrain distribution under TPDS as per norms of NFSA, so that they do not suffer on account of non-availability of foodgrains during the ongoing period of crisis.
3. Considering the obligation to be fulfilled on the part of the States/UTs to ensure that this additional foodgrain is to be made available to all the beneficiaries in a safe and time bound manner, duly observing COVID -19 protocol, it becomes all the more imperative to ensure that adequate time is provided to both the FPSs and the beneficiaries alike to carryout the necessary transactions.
4. Hence all States/UTs are advised to ensure the opening of FPSs for distribution of PMGKAY and NFSA foodgrains preferably on all days of the month. FPS dealers should prominently display the minimum requisite information on all required aspects, including available grievance redressal mechanism.
5. Distribution of foodgrains may be done in a staggered manner throughout the day to avoid accumulation/queuing up of large number of beneficiaries/persons at the FPSs/one place at any time.
6. States/UTs may take necessary action to ensure that FPSs are exempted from the restricted hours of opening of regular market, as foodgrains are covered under essential items. Appropriate social distancing, hygiene may be observed and the presence/visits of non-essential persons at FPSs etc. should be avoided.
7. In view of the above, it is advised to take all the necessary steps for timely distribution of foodgrains without causing any hardships to the beneficiaries.
8. Wide publicity may be given to this measure in local and vernacular language in all parts of the state using all media platforms.
Signature Your faithfully,