Despite the Centre’s commitment to provide free food grains since January 2023, a policy to remain till December 2028, under the National Food Security Act (NFSA) 2013, several beneficiaries in Nagaland have reported being charged for rations that are supposed to be provided at no cost.
Speaking to this reporter, Dr. Kapenlo Thong, deputy director of Food & Civil Supplies (F&CS), explained that the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY), which offered additional free food grains during Covid-19 pandemic, was phased out in December 2022.
He emphasized that under NFSA, beneficiaries are entitled to receive food grains at Rs. 3 per kg, with Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) recipients getting 35 kg per ration card and Priority Household (PHH) recipients receiving 5 kg per person. However, since January 2023, the government has made these rations entirely free until December 2028. The confusion arose as the ePoS devices used for transactions were still labeled under PMGKAY, despite its termination.
While the food distribution system includes both urban fair price shops and village councils, issues with connectivity have sometimes hindered real-time data processing, leading to semi-offline transactions in certain areas. Beneficiaries expressed fear of repercussions if they complain about being charged for the free rations, with some individuals wishing to remain anonymous.
When asked for comments, president of the All Nagaland Fair Price Shop Association, V. Phushika Aomi, stated that no directives from the department permit charging beneficiaries.
He encouraged individuals to report any discrepancies to the District Civil Supply Officer, who oversees the FPS network, which consists of 1,330 shops across the state.
Similarly, members from the Fair Price Shop Union in Kohima affirmed that they have not authorized any FPS to collect charges for the rations.
In Dimapur, the District Fair Price Shop Union president, Shihovi, confirmed that local FPS shops do not charge beneficiaries for the food grains. Despite assurances from officials and shop owners, the situation remains concerning, as beneficiaries continue to face discrepancies in the distribution of essential food grains meant to be free under the welfare programs.