J&K Govt announces advance distribution of three-month foodgrain quota ahead of Monsoon

Beneficiaries to receive August, Sep and Oct ration in a single transaction; distribution to be completed by August 31

Srinagar: In a major initiative to ensure uninterrupted food security during the forthcoming monsoon season, the Jammu and Kashmir Department of Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs (FCS&CA) has decided to undertake the advance lifting and distribution of foodgrains allocated under the National Food Security Act (NFSA) and Non-Priority Household (NPHH) schemes for the months of August, September and October 2026.

The decision has been taken as a precautionary measure to address potential logistical and transportation challenges during the rainy season and to ensure uninterrupted availability of foodgrains to beneficiaries across the Union Territory.Accordingly, the department has made advance allocations for the three-month period, enabling eligible beneficiaries to receive their entitled foodgrains through a single transaction. The entire distribution exercise has been targeted for completion on or before August 31, 2026.

To facilitate the initiative, the National Informatics Centre (NIC), J&K, has been requested to enable a one-time transaction facility in the electronic Point of Sale (e-PoS) devices for the distribution of foodgrains pertaining to the three months.The Minister for Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs said the advance lifting and distribution of foodgrains would strengthen the department’s preparedness and ensure an effective response to any situation that may arise during the monsoon season.

He said the initiative would guarantee uninterrupted availability of foodgrains and safeguard the food security of all eligible beneficiaries throughout Jammu and Kashmir.The Commissioner Secretary, Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs Department, reiterated that the advance lifting, transportation and distribution of foodgrains would be carried out in close coordination with all stakeholders, including the Food Corporation of India (FCI), the Jammu and Kashmir Road Transport Corporation (JKRTC), and the district administrations.

He said necessary instructions have been issued to the Director, FCS&CA, Jammu, and the Director, FCS&CA, Kashmir, to personally monitor the lifting, transportation and distribution process to ensure that the exercise is completed within the stipulated timeline and that no eligible beneficiary is deprived of his or her entitlement.

The department has also directed all concerned officers, Fair Price Shop (FPS) dealers, and other stakeholders to ensure timely lifting, transportation and distribution of the allocated foodgrains so that the entire exercise is completed by August 31, 2026, in the interest of public convenience and uninterrupted food security.