Itanagar, Aug 11 (IANS) Arunachal Pradesh Governor Lt General K.T. Parnaik (Retd) on Tuesday stressed the need for greater transparency and accountability in the implementation of food security programmes to ensure that their benefits reach all eligible beneficiaries, officials said.
The Chairman of the State Food Commission, Tarh Tarak, on Tuesday called on the Governor at Lok Bhavan in Itanagar.
An official of Lok Bhavan said that they discussed strengthening food security mechanisms, improving service delivery and ensuring that welfare benefits reach every eligible citizen, particularly those living in remote and border areas of the state.
The Governor emphasised the importance of transparency and accountability in the implementation of food security programmes.
He advised the Commission to promote regular social audits of the Public Distribution System (PDS), Mid-Day Meal Scheme and Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS). Such measures, the Governor said, would help identify gaps, prevent leakages and enhance public trust in welfare schemes while ensuring that benefits reach the intended beneficiaries.
Highlighting the role of technology in governance, Lt General Parnaik (Retd) recommended greater use of digital tools for efficient food distribution. He suggested end-to-end digitisation of the supply chain through GPS-enabled transportation, electronic Point of Sale (e-PoS) devices, Aadhaar-enabled authentication and real-time monitoring systems.
These measures, he noted, would improve transparency, reduce pilferage and ensure timely delivery of food grains across the state. Drawing from his experience, the Governor underscored the need to look beyond food availability and focus on nutrition security.
He advocated the inclusion of locally available nutritious foods such as millets, fruits, vegetables, eggs and pulses in government nutrition programmes. Special attention, he said, must be given to children, pregnant women, lactating mothers and other vulnerable groups to combat malnutrition and build a healthier Arunachal Pradesh.
The State Food Commission Chairman was accompanied by members of the Commission, Maji Chokar and Ngasah Tanjang.
Meanwhile, the principal of Sainik School East Siang district, Pasighat, Colonel Anant Thapan, called on the Governor in Lok Bhavan and discussed various issues. The principal briefed the Governor on the institution’s academic performance, co-curricular achievements, infrastructure development, future aspirations and the challenges faced in nurturing young cadets in a rapidly evolving educational environment.
The Governor underscored the institution’s vital role in nurturing disciplined, responsible and patriotic citizens committed to nation-building. Lt General Parnaik (Retd) said that Sainik Schools have consistently contributed to nation-building by preparing students for leadership roles in the Armed Forces and other spheres of public service.
He emphasised that physical fitness, discipline, character-building and academic excellence must remain the core pillars of education in such institutions. Highlighting the importance of a holistic learning environment, the Governor advised the principal to maintain the campus to the highest standards and ensure that it remains conducive to academic learning, personality development and extracurricular activities.
He said that a clean, well-maintained and vibrant campus inspires students to strive for excellence and instils in them a sense of responsibility and pride.
Col Anant Thapan assured the Governor that the school remains committed to providing quality education and all-round development opportunities to its cadets. He reiterated that Sainik School East Siang will continue to lay a strong foundation for producing disciplined, confident and capable young citizens dedicated to the service of the nation.
–IANS
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