Punjab Food Commission Chairman reviews schemes

Ludhiana, September 13, 2024: Punjab State Food Commission Chairman Bal Mukand Sharma on Friday held a meeting to take stock of the current status of implementation of all the major schemes. 

The schemes and programs include Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY), Fair Price Shops, Integrated Child Development Scheme, Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojna, Mid-day Meal, Food Sampling by health teams and others. 

The Officials informed the Commissioner that there were 1616 Fair Price Shops and 465575 ration cards in the district. There were 6774 AAY cards and 21921 members besides 458801 priority house holds and 1748791 members. Each AAY card was being given 35 kg of food grains every month under the program and Priority Household (PHH) PHH cardholders receive 5-kg of food grains per person per month.

The Chairman was also told by the officials that in July, 110 food samples were collected by health teams and reports were also awaited. 

Sharma stressed upon the regular testing of mid-day meal and asked to maintain a food test register in schools, provide quality food to children and maintain cleanliness while preparing meals. The drinking water quality in schools must also be ensured. He also directed that health check-up of students and medical check-up of mid-day meal workers in schools be conducted every six months. He also asked the officials to ensure fresh vegetables/fruits to the students during mid-day meals. 

The Chairman also laid thrust on providing information to the expecting mothers regarding the amount of Rs 5000 under Pradhan Mantri Matruvandna Yojna. 

ADC Anmol Singh Dhaliwal, DFSC Geeta Geeta Bishambu, DHO Dr Amarjeet Kaur and others were also present.