State observes National Consumers' Day 2019
EPOS distributed to Fair Price Shop agents in 11 districts
Source: The Sangai Express / DIPR
Imphal, December 24 2019:
The National Consumers' Day � 2019 was observed at the office complex of Directorate of Consumer Affairs Food and Public Distribution at Sangaiprou today.
The day is being observed as a commemoration to mark the passing of Consumers' Protection Act in 1986.As a part of the observation, Deputy Chief Minister Yumnam Joykumar Singh and Consumer Affairs Food and Public Distribution Minister Karam Shyam distributed Electronic Point of Sale (EPOS)s to Fair Price Shop (FPS) agents through Deputy Commissioners and District Supply Officers.
Altogether, 1,670 EPOS were being distributed to 11 districts for the second phase, today.
In the third and final phase, a total of 594 EPOS will be distributed to the remaining FPS in the State.
It may be mentioned that in the first phase, the Chief Minister distributed 60 EPOS to FPS agents in five districts on July 10 this year.
Speaking at the function as the chief guest, Deputy Chief Minister Y Joykumar said that introduction of EPOS to FPS agents, is a good step for an effective distribution of food grains through Public Distribution System (PDS) in the State.
He said that there have been some issues pertaining to the distribution of items to the beneficiaries under PDS.
But, with the introduction of such a system, the actual beneficiaries can now avail the benefits under National Food Security Act (NFSA), he said, adding that if EPOS is fully functional, the distribution system will be much faster than before and beneficiaries can also get the actual entitlement of food grains.
It will also discourage malpractices in the distribution system too, he added.
Emphasizing the need to check the effectiveness of EPOS from time to time, Joykumar said that although 100 percent effectiveness is not possible, 60-70 percent effectiveness is very much necessary for a meaningful introduction of the new system in PDS.
He said that with a poor harvest season this year compared to previous years, effective distribution of food grains under NFSA through PDS is essential for the beneficiaries in the State.
Steps for an uninterrupted supply should be put in place to mend any shortage of food arising out of the poor harvest this year, he added.
Highlighting on the total expenditure budget for the EPOS devices implementation, CAF & PD Minister Karam Shyam said that out of Rs 7 crore, Rs 2 crore are financed by the Centre and the majority Rs 5 crore are funded by the State.
The Minister also stated that there is a need to spread more awareness to the public regarding the duties of the CAF & PD Department in order to ward off allegations regarding irregularities in the distribution of PDS items like rice and SK oil.
The Department is at present facing many difficulties in the distribution of these items and is not accountable for price fixation as it can only monitor the prices with the help of District Level Committee, he explained.
He also mentioned that with regard to AADHAR seeding and NFSA beneficiaries, Manipur is comparatively better than Assam and Tripura.
Briefing on the importance of the Consumers Protection Act 1986, the Minister stated that the whole Department needs co-operation of the public to check irregularities.
CAF & PD Commissioner Bobby Waikhom stated that the Consumers Protection Act will control unfair trade practices, safeguard the goods and resources, ensure transparency and help in protecting the people from health hazards.
In his welcome address, CAF & PD Director Ranjan Yumnam said that the new EPOS devices will enable online allocation of foodgrains that will give additional benefit to the consumers for grievance redressal and transparency portals.
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