Gangtok, Dec 11: A one-day Awareness Programme cum Coordination Meeting organised by the State Food Commission in collaboration with the Food & Civil Supplies Department, Government of Sikkim, was held in the Conference Hall of the Food & Civil Supplies Department GoS at Gangtok on 10th December.
The programme aimed to strengthen coordination among the line Departments and stakeholders for effective implementation of the National Food Security Act (NFSA) 2013, and various welfare schemes under its roof.
The event was graced by Advisor, Food & Civil Supplies Department, Ms. Beena Rai, as the Chief Guest. Other dignitaries present were the Chairman, Sikkim State Food Commission, Dr. S.K. Rai, OSD Food & Civil Supplies Department, GoS, Shri Tashi Thendup Lepcha, Secretary, Food & Civil Supplies Department, GoS, Ms. Norzing Tshering, Members of the State Food Commission, senior officers of the Food & Civil Supplies Department,representatives from the Education Department and the Women, Child, Senior Citizen and Divyangjan Welfare Department GoS, and the FPS owners from Gangtok District.
The programme commenced with a welcome address by Additional Secretary, Food & Civil Supplies Department cum Member Secretary, State Food Commission, Ms Diki Doma Bhutia. She highlighted the functions, responsibilities, and powers of the Commission and outlined its future roadmap.
A comprehensive presentation on the National Food Security Act 2013, its implementation in Sikkim, and recent developments was delivered by District Civil Supplies Officer, Mangan District, Mr Palden N. Lachungpa.
This was followed by brief presentations on PM-POSHAN by the Assistant Director (Nodal Officer) Education Department, and on the services of ICDS and nutrition programmes by Assistant Director, Women, Child, Senior Citizen and Divyangjan Welfare Department.
Secretary Ms. Norzing Tshering in her address expressed her appreciation towards the State Food Commission’s efforts in organising the programme, noting that it provided valuable insights into ongoing activities under the NFSA. She requested the Department officials and the stakeholders to collaborate their efforts in reaching the benefits under the NFSA 2013 to the remotest areas and cover the left out genuine beneficiaries.
Chairman, State Food Commission, Dr SK Rai elaborated on the Commission’s recent initiatives aimed at ensuring transparency and accountability in the delivery of food security entitlements. He thanked the Department for its consistent support in implementation of the provisions of the Act in the interest of the intended beneficiaries.
Delivering the keynote address, Chief Guest Ms. Beena Rai applauded the Food & Civil Supplies Department for its unwavering commitment for ensuring the delivery of PDS benefits and welfare schemes to the most vulnerable and genuine beneficiaries. She also commended the State Food Commission for its effective monitoring mechanisms and recommended conducting similar awareness programmes at the Panchayat level to enhance grassroots outreach. The programme concluded with a renewed commitment by all stakeholders to strengthen coordination and improve service delivery under the National Food Security Act and related welfare schemes.
The programme concluded with the vote of thanks proposed by DCSO Gangtok District Mr DS Subba.
