MoS Nimuben Jayantibhai Bambhaniya visited fair price shop in Dimapur. (DIPR Photo)
Chümoukedima, February 20 (MExN): Union Minister of State for Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, Nimuben Jayantibhai Bambhaniya, on February 20 undertook an extensive visit to Dimapur district to review the implementation of various central welfare schemes.
Upon her arrival, the Minister was received by Advisor for Food & Civil Supplies and Legal Metrology, T Sukhalu, and was accorded a guard of honour at the Police Complex in Chümoukedima, stated a DIPR report.
During her visit, Bambhaniya carried out field inspections across the district. She visited a Fair Price Shop at Padumpukhiri village, interacted with members of Self-Help Groups (SHGs), and inspected the Health & Wellness Centre and Anganwadi Centre at Aoyimti village. She also reviewed a project site under the Jal Jeevan Mission in the area.
Interacting with villagers, the Minister expressed gratitude for their warm welcome. She highlighted that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, free rations are being provided to over 80 crore beneficiaries across the country under what she described as the world’s largest food security programme. “Even during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Prime Minister ensured that no poor person slept hungry. Providing free rations to crores of beneficiaries remains a significant achievement,” she stated.
The Minister lauded Nagaland for its natural beauty, rich art and culture, and the warmth of its people, noting that the state’s pure air, water and food contribute to good health and well-being.
Sharing an innovative initiative from her constituency in Gujarat, Bambhaniya informed that a 'Grain ATM' was installed on the Prime Minister’s birthday to enable beneficiaries to access food grains round the clock. She explained that unlike standard ATMs for cash withdrawal, the Grain ATM allows people to withdraw their entitled ration items 24/7. She added that Union Home Minister Amit Shah has also introduced a similar facility in his constituency.
Expressing her desire to see such a facility introduced in Nagaland, she said Grain ATMs would make ration distribution more accessible and convenient. Referring to the ‘One Nation One Ration Card’ (ONORC) scheme, she stated that migrant labourers can already access their entitled rations anywhere in the country, and such ATMs would further ease the process.
She emphasized that under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi, the government is working for the development of all sections of society, including youth, women, farmers, the poor and members of SHGs. Reiterating the Centre’s commitment to the development of the northeastern states, she assured continued support to make the region developed and self-reliant.
The Union Minister also reviewed the implementation of welfare and public distribution schemes at the grassroots level and held discussions with district officials to assess operational activities and ensure efficiency in food distribution.
