Una, February 5: Dr. Satyaprakash Katyal, Chairman of the State Food Security Commission, held a review meeting on Thursday at the Una Mini Secretariat to assess the progress of various schemes of departments related to food security. The meeting involved district officials and included a detailed review of the effective implementation of various Central and State government-sponsored schemes related to the Public Distribution System, the National Food Security Act, and nutrition in the district.
Dr. Satyaprakash Katyal said that timely delivery of food grains and nutritional supplements to beneficiaries is the government's top priority, and any kind of negligence or laxity in this matter will not be tolerated. He emphasized ensuring 100% benefit of government schemes to the stakeholders and instructed all departments to work in coordination. He said that transparency and accountability should be ensured in the implementation of the schemes, and officers should regularly conduct field visits to understand the ground realities and keep the data updated. Officers should personally inspect the timely delivery and storage of rations. Food security-related schemes should be operated by the Food and Supplies Department, Women and Child Development Department, and Education Department in coordination so that the benefits of these schemes reach the last beneficiary.
Dr. Katyal took a detailed account of the ration distribution, quality of food grains, and grievance redressal system operated by the Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Department in the district and gave necessary instructions for improvement. He reviewed the availability of mid-day meals in schools, diet charts, food quality, condition of toilets, availability of sanitary pads, and availability and utility of nutrition gardens in the Education Department.  He also discussed and received feedback from the Women and Child Development Department regarding the functioning of Anganwadis, child health and care and nutrition, and from the Health Department regarding regular health check-ups and nutrition for pregnant and lactating women and newborns, and awareness programs about balanced diets.
He advised the officers to also discuss with the beneficiaries during inspections to get feedback so that shortcomings can be addressed. Data should be provided regarding the availability and utilization of suitable land for nutrition gardens in schools. In addition, data should be compiled on the examination and provision of nutritional supplements to malnourished children, along with reports on their health improvement, so that the schemes can be made more effective.
In the meeting, Additional Deputy Commissioner Mahendra Pal Gurjar informed that 1,42,900 ration card holders in Una district are being provided subsidized rations through 326 fair price shops, and new shops are also being opened as per the requirement based on the population. The department conducts regular inspections for storage and ration quality checks, along with regular sample testing. Surprise inspections are also being conducted. Complaints are addressed immediately to ensure resolution.
He further informed that all schools in the district have toilets, and proper arrangements have been made to maintain their cleanliness. According to the Food Security Act, meals are provided to children in all government schools in the district as per the prescribed standards and the Mid-Day Meal chart. The necessary vaccination process for infants aged 0 to 6 years has been ensured in the district according to their age group. In addition, the amount given under the Matru Vandana Yojana on the birth of the first child is being provided to all eligible women in the district.
The meeting was attended by District Food and Civil Supplies Controller Rajiv Sharma, Assistant Commissioner Food Safety Jagdish Dhiman, Health Medical Officer Dr. Sukhdeep Singh, Deputy Director Education Som Lal Dhiman, CDPO Shiv Verma, and officers from other relevant departments.