Satish Sharma meets Union MoS; pushes for NFSA cap removal, expanded ration coverage

Jammu : Minister for Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs, IT, Transport, Youth Services & Sports, Science & Technology, Satish Sharma, on Thursday held a detailed meeting with Union Minister of State for Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs, B. L. Verma and raised a comprehensive set of demands aimed at strengthening the Public Distribution System (PDS), enhancing food security and addressing the key welfare concerns in Jammu and Kashmir.

The Minister strongly pressed for lifting the cap on NFSA food grain allocation, stating that the existing restriction has stalled the bifurcation of ration cards and is adversely impacting the families whose size has increased over time. He urged the Union Government to revise and enhance Jammu and Kashmir’s allocation quota to facilitate issuance of new and bifurcated ration cards. He also sought sanction of additional food grain quota to meet genuine demand, particularly in remote, border and tribal areas.

Highlighting Jammu and Kashmir’s preparedness, Sharma requested expedited approval for new ration card applications, noting that e-KYC processes and database cleansing are nearing completion.

Focusing on systemic strengthening, the Minister called for a special infrastructure grant for PDS in difficult terrains, citing challenges in high-altitude, snowbound and border areas. He also sought an increase in FPS dealer margins to ensure sustainability and reduce attrition and proposed introduction of additional commodities such as pulses, edible oil, and millets through FPS with central support.

The Minister highlighted Jammu and Kashmir’s achievement in implementing the SMART PDS framework and sought performance-linked incentive funding, noting the region’s early adoption of digital systems including RCMS, SCMS and route optimization.

Addressing the vulnerable sections, Sharma raised the issue of Kashmiri migrant ration card integration and sought continued support to ensure uninterrupted entitlements. He also advocated for special ration provisions for border and nomadic communities, including Gujjars and Bakerwals with flexible e-KYC norms.

With Reference to Consumer Affairs , the Minister called for modernization of Legal Metrology infrastructure, including advanced testing equipment and manpower support, particularly for remote districts. He also sought enhanced funding under CCPA for consumer awareness campaigns in rural and semi-urban areas.

Under social justice initiatives, Sharma emphasized the timely release of PM-AJAY and DA&DBT funds, including scholarships for SCs, OBCs and EWS categories. He further urged for expedited action on inclusion of Pahari and other deserving communities in central OBC/deprived lists. He called for sanction of additional hostels under Babu Jagjivan Ram Chhatrawas Yojana in districts like Jammu, Samba, Udhampur and Rajouri.

On administrative and financial matters, the Minister requested the release of pending central assistance and CSS instalments and sought capacity-building support for FCS&CA officials in areas like data analytics, supply chain management and enforcement.

Sharma reiterated the commitment of the Jammu and Kashmir government to ensure efficient service delivery and inclusive welfare and expressed confidence that the Union Government would extend full support in addressing these critical issues.