THIRUVANANTHAPURAM:From July 16, the public can file their applications on ration-related matters online, Food and Civil Supplies Minister P Thilothaman said on Tuesday.
This can be done via Akshaya centres also, the minister said. With all components required under National Food Security Act (NFSA) in place, the Civil Supplies Department has once again started accepting fresh ration card applications. So far, four lakh applications have been accepted, the minister said.
Shortly, the government will start the distribution of 15 kg of food grain per head to the inmates of orphanages, hostels run by SC/OBC communities and homes for the destitute. By Onam, Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) cardholders will start receiving 1 kg sugar every month through the public distribution system.
NFSA Social Audit
Social audits in connection with the implementation of National Food Security Act (NFSA) will be kicked off soon in the state. The pilot programme will be launched in Rajaji Nagar (Chenkalchoola) on July 25, Thilothaman said. ‘’The social audits will ensure the entire process is transparent and foolproof,’’ he said.
The audits will be conducted at the ration shops. The department is also planning to form vigilance committees with the involvement of the public at the state, district, taluk and ration-shop levels.
MLM guidelines ready, says minister
T’Puram : The guidelines for regulating multi-level marketing (MLM) companies in the state are ready, P Thilothaman, Food and Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Minister, said on Tuesday. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan will release the guidelines on August 8. They are expected to curb the malpractices in this sector and protect consumer interests, the minister said. “The Centre had published model guidelines in 2016. There are thousands of people and numerous firms involved in MLM. Problems plaguing the sector are also aplenty. The state-level guidelines are intended to protect the interests of the consumers and also the people who work in this field,” Thilothaman said. The guidelines have been formulated to strengthen the existing monitoring mechanisms and prevent fraud. Under the Central guidelines for regulating direct selling and MLM, any direct selling/MLM firm engaged in the activity is required to submit an undertaking to the Centre’s Department of Consumer Affairs within 90 days stating that it is complying with the guidelines.