Meghalaya Food Commission flags short weighing, delays in ration supply

Ration card holders in Meghalaya are facing short weighing, delayed distribution and in some cases no supply of foodgrains at all, according to the Meghalaya State Food Commission, which has also flagged poor facilities at Anganwadi centres.

The findings are part of the commission's Annual Report for 2025-26, which reviews how the state is running schemes under the National Food Security Act (NFSA), The Shillong Times reported on Wednesday.

Problems in the PDS

On the Public Distribution System (PDS), the commission listed short weighing, non-supply of foodgrains, delays, overcharging and supply of less than the entitled quantity as concerns.

It recommended regular and surprise inspections of Fair Price Shops (FPS) so that beneficiaries get their full share. Shops should display, in a visible place, what each beneficiary is entitled to, the quantity and price of grain, distribution timings and the stock available, the report said.

The commission also asked that grain sent to each shop be reconciled with the quantities recorded on electronic point-of-sale (e-POS) machines. Because weak mobile networks and technical failures are common in remote areas, it called for back-up arrangements so that people are not turned away when the machines fail, and for closer monitoring in remote, border and hilly areas.

Anganwadi centres short of basics

For the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS), the commission said supplementary nutrition must be provided without interruption. It pointed to gaps in buildings, kitchens, storage, drinking water, sanitation and electricity at Anganwadi centres.

It recommended an assessment of Anganwadi infrastructure, regular quality testing and proper storage of supplementary food, accurate beneficiary records, and better coordination between the Social Welfare and Health departments to identify and treat malnutrition. Anganwadi workers and helpers also need more training, the report said.

School meals

On PM POSHAN, the midday meal scheme for schoolchildren, the commission stressed regular, good-quality meals, especially in remote schools. It called for regular inspections, adequate buffer stocks, better kitchens and strict hygiene and food-safety standards, and wanted School Management Committees and local communities to help monitor the scheme.

Helpline 1967

Across all three schemes, the commission called for stronger grievance redressal and more public awareness of entitlements, including wider publicity for the toll-free food helpline 1967. It also recommended social audits, digital monitoring and more coordination between departments, with special attention to hard-to-reach villages.

The state government's response to the report was not immediately known.