*FCSCA Dept contemplating opening new fair price shops in J&K: Govt*

Srinagar, Mar 11 : The Food Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs (FCSCA) department is contemplating to open new Fair Price shops in J&K as per the set framework, Government said on Tuesday.
Replying to a question of Rajiv Jasrotia, the Minister Satish Sharma said that the distribution network of the Department is built up around 6630 sale outlets in the shape of Fair Price Shop and Government Sale Centres.
“Further, the Department is contemplating opening of new Fair Price Shops as per framework in vogue, which is part of Jammu and Kashmir Targeted Public Distribution System (Control) Order, 2023,” he said as per the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO).
“Since the elected Government has assumed the office, It has been thought prudent to rope in elected members also to firm up requirements of new Fair Price Shops across Jammu and Kashmir, which necessitates relook of the existing framework. Opening of FPSs in panchayat without such facility and in other areas that too qualify for opening of such FPSS as per policy, would be prioritized” Minister said.
He said that the Department is providing the foodgrains among the bonafide beneficiaries in NPHH group as per the approved scale of (05) kg per beneficiaries per month at sale rate of Rs. 15 per kg rice and Rs. 12 per kg wheat and Rs. 13 wheat flour.
“The Department of Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs has made consistent efforts in bringing in any left out eligible household/beneficiary under Public Distribution System. Standing orders have been issued to include left out eligible beneficiaries/ households, if any, into the Public Distribution System, as per eligibility. Since shifting to Ration Card Management System in September, 2022, 28996 new Ration Cards under NFSA and 45075 under NPHH category have been issued to deserving households and the registered e-shram registrants who were reported to be not covered under Public Distribution System,” Minister added—