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Jammu and Kashmir’s Food Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs (FCSCA) department plans to expand its network of Fair Price Shops (FPSs) based on established guidelines.
Minister Satish Sharma, in response to a query from Rajiv Jasrotia, stated that the current distribution system comprises 6,630 outlets, including Fair Price Shops and Government Sale Centres. He confirmed that the department intends to establish new FPSs in accordance with the Jammu and Kashmir Targeted Public Distribution System (Control) Order, 2023.
“With the newly elected government in place, we believe it’s essential to involve elected members in determining the need for new Fair Price Shops across Jammu and Kashmir. This necessitates a review of the existing framework,” the Minister explained. “Priority will be given to opening FPSs in panchayats and other eligible areas that currently lack such facilities, in line with policy.”
The department currently provides food grains to eligible beneficiaries in the Non-Priority Household (NPHH) group, offering 5 kg per beneficiary per month at subsidized rates: Rs. 15 per kg for rice, Rs. 12 per kg for wheat, and Rs. 13 for wheat flour.
“The FCSCA department has consistently worked to include all eligible households under the Public Distribution System,” the Minister added. “Standing orders have been issued to ensure that any remaining eligible beneficiaries are included. Since implementing the Ration Card Management System in September 2022, we have issued 28,996 new ration cards under the National Food Security Act (NFSA) and 45,075 under the NPHH category, including registered e-shram registrants who were previously excluded.”
