Food and Civil Supplies Minister Holds Department Review Meeting

Officers Must Conduct More Field Visits for Effective Implementation of Schemes; No Leniency in Public Welfare Schemes; Strict Action Against Inactive Personnel

Jaipur : Food and Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Minister Shri Sumit Godara held a review meeting of both departments on Thursday at the Ministry building. He emphasized that departmental officers should conduct extensive field visits to effectively monitor the implementation of schemes and quickly address any problems encountered. He also stated that accountability will be ensured for officers not working proactively.

“Give Up” Campaign Serving the Poor
The Food and Civil Supplies Minister mentioned that a “Give Up” campaign was launched in November last year, encouraging affluent individuals to give up their food subsidies. The campaign has had a wide-reaching impact in the state. He stated that the savings from food subsidies given up by ineligible individuals would be used to serve the poor, and there could be no greater service to the impoverished. He made it clear that no negligence would be tolerated in this campaign.

He further instructed officers to visit field sites at least three days a week and inspect free ration shops. They should communicate with ration dealers and take necessary actions to further strengthen the “Give Up” campaign. He also directed officers to submit factual reports from their visits and keep higher authorities informed of the ground realities. Officers should work with full coordination across departments, set clear timelines, and actively work to meet the established goals.

Instructions Regarding Government Approved Test Centers (GATC)
Shri Godara stated that to safeguard consumer interests, Government Approved Test Centers (GATC) would be established in the state. These centers would also create employment opportunities on a large scale. The department should quickly determine the necessary provisions and move forward with the implementation.

It is noteworthy that the GATC will test all types of measuring and weighing instruments used in commercial establishments. After testing the machines and equipment, licenses and certifications will be issued based on the test reports.

Timely Resolution of Compassionate Appointment Cases of Ration Dealers
Shri Godara also directed that the pending compassionate appointment cases for ration dealers should be resolved in a timely and sensitive manner. He asked officers to conduct proper investigations of these pending applications and make quick decisions. He also mentioned that 500 new free ration shops would be opened in the state, and interviews for their allocation should be conducted with full transparency as soon as possible.

5 Lakh Metric Tons of Wheat Purchased So Far in the State
The Food and Civil Supplies Minister mentioned that under the Rajasthan Farmer Support Scheme, wheat procurement at a support price of ₹2575, along with an additional bonus, started on March 10, 2025. As of today, nearly 5 lakh metric tons of wheat have been purchased through support price procurement centers. He highlighted that the Rajasthan State Food Supply Corporation Limited (RSFSCL) is a capable body to handle this process, and he instructed the corporation’s officers to discharge their responsibilities with transparency and efficiency.

Annapurna Bhandars to Be Opened in Remote Areas
Shri Godara stated that Annapurna Bhandars (food stores) would be opened in remote areas across the state. These stores would provide quality products at affordable prices to consumers. He noted that this would create employment opportunities and lead to savings for the public. He directed officers to identify suitable locations for the stores and select product categories based on public needs.

Present at the meeting were the Principal Secretary of Food and Civil Supplies, Shri Subir Kumar, Managing Director of Rajasthan State Food Supply Corporation Limited, Shri Rajendra Verma, Additional Food Commissioner, Mrs. Poonam Sagar, Financial Advisor Shri Braj Bhushan Sharma, and other senior officials from the department.