MP chairs FCI consultative meet to review & strengthen PDS in Sikkim

GANGTOK, : Lok Sabha MP Indra Hang on Tuesday chaired a meeting of the State-level Consultative Committee on Food Corporation of India (FCI) for the State of Sikkim here at Gangtok.

The meeting was held to review and strengthen the Public Distribution System (PDS), an official press release informs.

Key attendees included the secretary, Food and Civil Supplies department, Government of Sikkim; Man Mohan Singh Sarang, regional manager, FCI (West Bengal and Sikkim); B. Ranga Prasad Nayak, divisional manager, FCI; Urvasi Poudyal, director, ICDS Sikkim; Sanjay Kumar, additional general manager, FCI Gangtok; and P.T. Bhutia, principal director, Mid-Day Meal, Government of Sikkim.

The discussions focused on enhancing the efficiency, reach, and responsiveness of the Public Distribution System in the State.

MP Indra Hang Subba highlighted the urgent need to ensure timely delivery, adequate stock maintenance, and proper grain management, especially in Sikkim’s rural and geographically challenging areas.

During the meeting, the MP proposed the establishment of additional FCI food depots in remaining districts of Sikkim. Presently, only two godowns are operational—one at Rangpo in Pakyong District and another at Jorethang (Namchi District). He emphasized that new depots would ensure more balanced coverage and faster supply to every corner of the State, the release mentions.

In line with efforts to strengthen food storage infrastructure, Subba also recommended the implementation of the Private Entrepreneurship Guarantee (PEG) Scheme under the PDS framework. This scheme promotes private investment in food storage facilities and can play a significant role in decentralizing storage and improving local access.

A key administrative proposal made by the MP was to appoint a dedicated Divisional Manager (DM) for Sikkim. Currently, the Divisional Manager for West Bengal is holding additional charge for Sikkim, which limits dedicated oversight. Subba emphasized that an exclusive DM based in Sikkim would greatly improve coordination, operational efficiency, and localized decision-making.

The meeting concluded with a shared commitment among all stakeholders to work in synergy for a more robust, transparent, and accessible Public Distribution System for the people of Sikkim, the release mentions.