Shimla Deputy Commissioner Issues Stern Warning on Ration Quality
Shimla Deputy Commissioner Anupam Kashyap has declared that stern action will be taken against individuals or entities found providing poor quality ration to residents in the district. This announcement was made during a meeting of the district-level Public Distribution System Committee held on Monday.
Directives for Quality Assurance and Storage
Kashyap emphasized the critical need for maintaining high standards in ration distribution. He directed the Department of Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs to ensure that only good quality ration is supplied to the public. Highlighting a common issue, he noted that food items often spoil due to inadequate storage facilities.
To address this, the Deputy Commissioner instructed depot holders, Anganwari workers, and mid-day meal workers to vigilantly monitor and prevent the distribution of spoiled food. "If such a discrepancy is found, the department should immediately be informed," he stated, underscoring the importance of prompt reporting.
Furthermore, Kashyap ordered the Department of Food and Civil Supplies to ensure that food items are stored in suitable places at fair price shops. He also mandated officials to maintain an uninterrupted supply of ration to avoid any inconvenience to the people.
Overview of Ration Distribution and Inspections
During the meeting, officials provided a detailed overview of the ration distribution network in Shimla. The district operates through 627 fair price shops, which include:
- 348 shops run by cooperative societies
- 234 individual-operated shops
- 41 shops managed by the Food Supply Corporation
- 2 shops each operated by women's associations and gram panchayats
From December 2025 to February 2026, significant quantities of essential commodities were distributed, including:
- 5,525 quintals of sugar
- 32,456 quintals of rice
- 57,648 quintals of wheat flour
- 8,251 quintals of pulses
- 2,260 quintals of iodised salt
- 5,12,038 litres of edible oil
This period also saw 1,362 inspections conducted across various outlets. Irregularities were detected in five shops, resulting in fines totaling Rs 5,910. Additionally, fines amounting to Rs 9,000 were collected from hotels and dhabas for the unauthorized use of domestic LPG cylinders.
The Deputy Commissioner's firm stance aims to safeguard public health and ensure transparency in the ration distribution system, reinforcing the government's commitment to welfare schemes.
