A big step has been taken by the Punjab government regarding monitoring of public distribution system and mid-day meal. Jasvir Singh Sekhon, member of Punjab State Food Commission, held a meeting with the officials of Mansa district and thoroughly reviewed the arrangements related to food distribution and issued several guidelines. He said that the information and complaint number of the commission should be clearly displayed outside every ration depot, school, Anganwadi center and hospital. Also, it has been made mandatory to install complaint boxes and helpline boards, so that common people can easily register their problems.
He said that the expiry date of spices and food items used for mid-day meal should be checked regularly. At the same time, the cooks preparing the food should be checked and they have been asked to ensure compliance with the rules of hygiene such as covering hair and cooking food only after washing hands. At the same time, it was recommended to keep the grains used in mid-day meal dry in the sun, so that moisture can be avoided. Along with this, it was made mandatory to maintain kitchen gardens in the schools of the district, where children should be given fresh and toxin-free vegetables. Along with this, orders have been given to check the TDS level of RO water system so that children can get pure water.
Under the smart ration card system, Sekhon said that 43% ration has been distributed in the district, and 313 out of 840 Anganwadi centers have received approval from FSSAI. He also asked to ensure biometric verification (thumb impression) during ration distribution. Instructions were given to keep an eye on the condition of ration depots during the flood season, so that there is no hindrance in the supply.
He said that any complaint related to food security can now be registered on https://psfc.punjab.gov.in/. Apart from this, helpline number 98767-64545 has also been issued so that common people can easily convey their views to the administration. After the meeting, Sekhon himself visited the Malkpur Anganwadi Centre, Senior Secondary Smart School (Girls) of Khiyala Kalan and the local ration depot and reviewed the arrangements. Mid-day meal and kitchen garden were also inspected in the school. During this inspection, senior officials of various departments of the district were present, including Additional Deputy Commissioner (Development) Akash Bansal, Food Supply Controller Mandeep Singh Mann, Health Officer Dr. Ranjit Singh Rai and representatives of the Education Department.
