Jammu, Nov 29: Jammu and Kashmir has sent a proposal to central government to help it in construction of dozen more godowns in hilly and remote blocks of the state, to ensure stocking of food grains during winters.
Part of the project envisaged to deal with the problem of food grain shortage faced by the inaccessible areas, particularly in Rajouri, Doda, Poonch, Kashmir valley and Ladhak, during the winter season. The project intends to identify the blocks which face the maximum shortage of food grains and other winter stocks.
Sources said that Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution (CA&PD), has formulated a comprehensive plan which has been submitted to government for approval.
Officials said that stress is more on to construct godowns in districts of Rajouri, Poonch and Doda, which face the maximum shortage of the food stuffs during the harsh winter months.
“Though various steps have been taken by the government in the past, but few areas still face the shortage and these new storage spaces would help to overcome the problem. A detailed survey has been already been conducted”, said Minister of State for CA&PD and Power, Shabir Ahmed Khan.
In a bid to streamline the food distribution in inaccessible rural hamlets and curb the black marketing, the state government has already introduced the concept of ' mobile ration shops' to provide essential commodities to the people. However with the establishment of permanent godowns, it will further improve the storage and distribution efficiency in rural areas.
At present there are nearly 6000 sale depots functioning across the three regions of the state, which are proving insufficient to meet the demands of the people getting ration through Public Distribution System (PDS).  Nearly 40 lakh people are dependent on the PDS system in Jammu and Kashmir.
“SRTC cargo fleet is being utilized on need basis for distribution of food grains in snow bound areas and creation of additional space will solve the long pending problem”, said an official.
Meanwhile, officials said that directions have been passed to the CAPD staff to ensure timely stocking and supply of ration to the rationees, during the winter months.

Lastupdate on : Mon, 29 Nov 2010 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Mon, 29 Nov 2010 18:30:00 GMT
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