Press Release from the Office of Food and Civil Supplies Department, Namchi

In order to commemorate the 50 years of Statehood, Food & Civil Supplies Department under Namchi District has started initiating its yearlong programme by cleanliness drive and planting ornamental/flowering plant in and around office and godown today i.e. 17/07/2024. This programme was initiated by the District Civil Supplies Officer, Namchi in coordination with Mr. Bijay Kr. Rai Incharge Namchi Food godown. There were 30 to 40 officers and staff who participated in this programme. The main saplings planted were Marigold, Blue Lotus (Neelkamal), Chanp tree (Michelia Champaca) Juniper, Azalea, Rose and Cherry, Faran etc. During the cleanliness drive, plastic waste, solid waste and bio-degradable waste are also segregated to dispose of accordingly.
It is pertinent here to mention that all other eight godowns falling under Namchi District viz Chisopani, Jorethang, Melli Namthang, Temi, Bermiok Ravangla & Yangang there are also simultaneously undertaking cleanliness of surrounding and plantation work. The remaining exercise to be done during upcoming days are as follows:
1. To Ensure 100% coverage of EKYCs: This is for general information of all Hon’ble Panchayats, Local gentries, responsible citizens of the area to bring to the notice of all the consumer of government ration card that they have to undergo 100% ekyc by approaching their respective Fair Price shops or nearest FPS to ensure that they are the genuine beneficiaries being benefitted by the free ration provided by the Government of India/Sikkim. This exercise is also initiated to make sure that ration being provided to the person is still alive or not. The last date for ekyc has been fixed on 30/09/2024. After that whose ekyc has not been done will be deleted from the system and shall not be able to receive ration thereafter. Those beneficiaries whose finger print is not accepted by the device can also opt iris device for the same.
2. To ensure 100% automated transaction & maintenance of devices: It is the responsibility of Fair Price shop owner and the beneficiaries to ensure automated transaction through bio matrix & iris device provided so that fake transaction is checked. It is very important for the FPS owners to carefully handle the devices issued free of cost by the government. Once it is damaged due to mishandling, the FPS owners have to procure at their own expense.
3. Fare & exhibition on awareness on advantages of consuming fortified rice & flour: Sufficient awareness has already been given to the beneficiaries about the consumption of fortified rice being issued by the government and outcome is also very welcoming.
4. Awareness to voluntarily surrender AAY/PHH cards by the beneficiaries: The Food & Civil Supplies Department through different agencies and reliable sources have established that some regular government employees are also availing benefits under AAY/PHH which is depriving genuine beneficiaries. This is to mention that AAY/PHH cards are being provided by the government to the poorest of poor in our society through Gram Sabha. On behalf of Food & Civil Supplies Department it is appealed that those cards holders who are not genuine may kindly surrender at the nearest godown so that the same quota can be given to genuine individuals.