Union Minister Pralhad Joshi Launches New Initiatives to Boost Food Security and Nutrition
New Delhi [India], August 20: The Union Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, and New and Renewable Energy, Pralhad Venkatesh Joshi, has launched a pilot project to transform 60 Fair Price Shops into Jan Poshan Kendra. This initiative aims to enhance food security and nutrition across India.
During the event, Joshi also introduced several new tools and applications, including the FPS Sahay application, Mera Ration app 2.0, Quality Management System, Quality Manual Handbook, Contract Manual for the Food Corporation of India (FCI), and NABL Accreditation for three laboratories.
Joshi stated that these programs will strengthen the food security ecosystem by increasing transparency, ensuring strict quality control, curbing malnutrition, and preventing system leakages. The Jan Poshan Kendra will offer a variety of nutrition-rich food items and provide additional income for FPS dealers.
He highlighted that these initiatives are part of the Central Government’s first 100 days program and will help achieve the goal of Viksit Bharat 2047. The Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY) has been extended for another five years with a financial outlay of around Rs 12 lakh crore to expand food security in the country.
The launch of the Mera Ration App 2.0 and other digital tools will improve user-centric services and facilitate seamless transactions across the country. The FPS Sahay application, developed by SIDBI, offers paperless, collateral-free financing to FPS dealers.
Joshi emphasized the importance of quality control and transparency in the Public Distribution System, and the Department’s openness to suggestions for further innovation and improvement.
Doubts Revealed
Union Minister -: A Union Minister is a member of the government who is in charge of a specific department or ministry. In this case, Pralhad Joshi is the Union Minister.
Pralhad Joshi -: Pralhad Joshi is a politician in India who is currently serving as a Union Minister. He is responsible for launching new initiatives to improve food security and nutrition.
Fair Price Shops -: Fair Price Shops (FPS) are stores in India that sell essential goods like rice, wheat, and sugar at lower prices to help people who need financial assistance.
Jan Poshan Kendra -: Jan Poshan Kendra is a new name for some Fair Price Shops that will focus more on providing nutritious food to people.
FPS Sahay application -: The FPS Sahay application is a new mobile app designed to help Fair Price Shop owners manage their stores better.
Mera Ration app 2.0 -: Mera Ration app 2.0 is an updated version of a mobile app that helps people find information about their ration cards and the food they can get from Fair Price Shops.
Viksit Bharat 2047 -: Viksit Bharat 2047 is a goal set by the Indian government to make India a developed country by the year 2047.
Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana -: Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana is a government program that provides free food grains to poor people in India to help them during difficult times.