BANDIPORA: The Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs (FCS&CA) Department has strongly refuted claims made in a recent news report by KNS, which alleged mismanagement within the department. The report, titled "Alleged Mismanagement Takes Toll on Bandipora's FCS&CA Department," has been labeled as baseless, false, and malicious by the department.
The Assistant Director FCS&CA has rebutted the news item stating that their operations are transparent and efficient. In this regard, the FCS&CA department has issued an official communiqué wherein it has given detailed clarification. As per the official handout, the department clarified that it manages 77 Government Sale Centers and 98 Fair Price Shops, all operated by government employees using Aadhaar-based biometric e-POS devices to ensure accountability and prevent misuse.
The department employs 47 Hamals for the unloading of food grains under the Minimum Wages Guarantee Act, which helps the government save on unloading charges, while the roles of Hamals and storekeepers are distinct and well-defined to maintain operational efficiency.
Regarding the transfer of employees, the department has clarified that since 2014, the department has transferred 132 employees within the district to ensure effective functioning, with these transfers being regularly monitored and communicated to the Directorate of FCS&CA.
Pertinent to mention that, the Department has only 132 employees in the District. Similarly, the transition to complete online operations in 2020 required additional experienced and skilled computer staff to update the rationee database promptly, aimed at improving service delivery.
Also in connection with re-verification of ration cards, it has been clarified that the department conducts continuous re-verification of ration cards to weed out non-deserving recipients, with Village and Social Audit Committees overseeing the rechecking of stores and rationee data, which is publicly accessible for transparency.
Regarding ration distribution, it has been informed that ration distribution is carried out through e-POS devices with biometric Aadhaar authentication, reflecting due quotas and rates on both devices and receipts, thus countering allegations of black marketing.
In connection with internal adjustment of Nathpora, it has been clarified that the department reopened the Nathpora Internal Adjustment under the directives of the Directorate of FCS&CA Kashmir, benefiting 252 households who earlier used to travel approximately 1.5 km to the Kaloosa Sale Centre for their monthly ration.
Additionally, reimbursement details have been shared through official communication, addressing any claims of financial mismanagement. The FCS&CA Department advises concerned media outlets to seek clarification before publishing unverified claims to avoid spreading misinformation.
