Minister of State for Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, GoI, Nimuben Jayantibhai Bambhaniya, on her official visit to Dimapur on Friday carried out field inspections across Dimapur district. She visited a Fair Price Shop at Padumpukhiri village, interacted with members of Self-Help Groups, and inspected the Health & Wellness Centre and Anganwadi Centre at Aoyimti village, along with a Jal Jeevan Mission project site in the area.
Interacting with villagers at Padumpukhiri and Aoyimti, the Minister expressed gratitude for the warm welcome extended to her. Addressing the gathering, she highlighted that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, free rations are being provided to over 80 crore beneficiaries across the country under what she described as the world’s largest food programme. She stated that even during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Prime Minister ensured that no poor person slept hungry, adding that providing free rations to crores of beneficiaries remains a significant achievement.
According to a DIPR report, the Minister lauded Nagaland for its natural beauty, rich art and culture, and the warmth of its people, noting that the state’s pure air, water and food contribute to good health and well-being.
Sharing an initiative from her constituency in Gujarat, she informed that a ‘Grain ATM’ was installed on the Prime Minister’s birthday to enable beneficiaries to access food grains round the clock. She said that while ATMs are usually associated with cash withdrawals, the Grain ATM allows people to withdraw ration items 24/7. She added that Union Home Minister, Amit Shah has also introduced a similar facility in his constituency.
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Expressing her desire to see such a facility introduced in Nagaland, she said Grain ATMs would make ration distribution more accessible and convenient. Referring to the ‘One Nation One Ration Card’ scheme, she stated that migrant labourers can access their entitled rations anywhere in the country, and such ATMs would further ease the process.
She emphasized that under the leadership of Narendra Modi, the government is working for the development of all sections of society, including youth, women, farmers, the poor and members of Self-Help Groups. Reiterating the Centre’s commitment to the development of the northeastern states, she assured continued support to make the region developed and self-reliant.
She also reviewed the implementation of welfare and public distribution schemes at the grassroots level and held discussions with officials in charge to assess operational activities and ensure efficiency in food distribution.
On her arrival, she was received by Advisor for Food & Civil Supplies and Legal Metrology, T. Sukhalu, and was accorded a guard of honour at the Police Complex, Chumoukedima.
