Chief Minister Hemant Soren Reviews Food, Public Distribution and Consumer Affairs Department

Chief Minister directs faster implementation through technology-based monitoring systems; asks officials to establish Dal-Bhat centres for urban workers

Ranchi, June 2026 : Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren on Wednesday conducted a high-level review of the latest progress of the Food, Public Distribution and Consumer Affairs Department at the Jharkhand Secretariat. During the meeting, he reviewed the department’s achievements in the current financial year and the action plan for the financial year 2026–27, issuing several important directives to officials.

The Chief Minister said that continuous progress in welfare schemes, transparency in foodgrain distribution, and effective implementation of future plans remain key priorities of the state government. He emphasized that the government’s objective is to improve the standard of living of the people of Jharkhand.

Soren said the food distribution system should be made completely transparent, accountable and citizen-friendly. For this, modern technology and innovative solutions must be integrated into the implementation of welfare schemes. He noted that the schemes being run by the Food, Public Distribution and Consumer Affairs Department are not only fulfilling the basic needs of citizens but are also contributing significantly to poverty alleviation, social equality and self-reliance.

Food, Public Distribution and Consumer Affairs Minister Dr Irfan Ansari was also present at the meeting.

Focus on Effective Implementation of Welfare Programmes

During the review, the Chief Minister assessed the progress of the Public Distribution System (PDS), ration card distribution, foodgrain supply, consumer protection measures and other departmental schemes. He stressed the need for effective implementation of all welfare programmes.

He described the Public Distribution System as a lifeline for poor and needy families and said there should be no laxity in its functioning. Timely, transparent and uninterrupted supply of foodgrains to all eligible beneficiaries must be ensured. He directed officials to expedite ration card-related cases, bring newly eligible families under government schemes and identify ineligible beneficiaries to further improve transparency.

The Chief Minister also instructed officials to strengthen technology-based monitoring systems to ensure accountability and transparency in foodgrain distribution.

More Dal-Bhat Centres for Urban Workers

Reviewing the Dal-Bhat Yojana, under which 370 centres are currently operating across the state, the Chief Minister directed officials to increase their number. Under the scheme, nutritious meals are provided to people for just Rs 5.

He instructed officials to identify locations for setting up Dal-Bhat centres specifically for urban workers and labourers. He also called for the development of model Dal-Bhat centres to ensure that needy individuals can access wholesome meals conveniently.

Ensuring Food Security for PVTG Families

While reviewing the Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTG) Food Security Scheme, popularly known as the PVTG Dakia Scheme, Soren directed officials to ensure uninterrupted doorstep delivery of foodgrains to all eligible PVTG families.

During the review, it was noted that against the procurement target, Jharkhand had procured 49.25 lakh quintals of paddy. The Chief Minister also interacted online with farmer Nigam Prasad Upadhyay from Karimati village, who sold paddy to the government. The farmer informed him that he had sold 10 quintals of paddy through the PACS system and received payment within a single day.

Warehouse Infrastructure and Future Plans

The Chief Minister reviewed the status of warehouse repairs and construction of new storage facilities. He instructed officials to ensure proper maintenance and storage of foodgrains in warehouses.

Reviewing proposed schemes and action plans for 2026–27, he directed officials to complete all projects within stipulated timelines. He also reviewed the Sona-Sobaran Dhoti-Saree Distribution Scheme, Chief Minister Dal-Bhat Distribution Scheme, and Chief Minister Salt Distribution Scheme.

The meeting was attended by Chief Secretary Avinash Kumar, Development Commissioner Ajay Kumar Singh, Food, Public Distribution and Consumer Affairs Department Secretary Rajesh Kumar Sharma, and other senior officials.