SRINAGAR, SEPT 22: Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Minister Satish Sharma informed the House that the FCS&CA Department has established a wide network of Fair Price Shops (FPS) across Jammu and Kashmir, while the government is examining the need for opening new outlets and rationalising existing ones.
Sharma said the assessment is being undertaken on the basis of viability, ration-card coverage, geographical accessibility and adequate coverage of remote and tribal areas, with the objective of ensuring that beneficiaries have convenient access to essential food supplies.
The Minister said the department is also examining gaps in FPS coverage in areas with scattered populations and difficult terrain, where accessibility remains a key consideration.
He further informed the House that the Government of India has launched SARTHAK-PDS, subsuming support for intra-State movement and handling of foodgrains, Fair Price Shop dealers’ margins and technology reforms under the SMART-PDS framework.
The initiative is aimed at strengthening the public distribution system, improving the viability of Fair Price Shops and accelerating technology-driven reforms in foodgrain distribution.
Sharma said the government would continue to assess the FPS network to ensure adequate and equitable coverage, particularly in remote, tribal and geographically difficult areas of Jammu and Kashmir.
