Srinagar, : The Minister for Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs, Satish Sharma, on Tuesday informed Legislative Assembly that a comprehensive network of Fair Price Shops (FPS) has been established across Jammu and Kashmir.
In response to a query from Legislator Hasnian Masoodi, he outlined the criteria for setting up FPS as per S.O. 41 dated January 19, 2023, noting that there are currently no uncovered areas in the Pampore Assembly Constituency. The Minister provided detailed statistics on ration cards in Pampore, indicating a total of 2,679 cards under the Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY), 15,470 under the Priority Household (PHH) category, and 9,776 under the Non-Priority Household (NPHH) category. He emphasized that the department is evaluating the need for new FPS based on factors such as viability, geographical accessibility, and coverage in remote areas. Additionally, the Government of India has initiated the SARTHAK-PDS scheme, which aims to enhance the economic viability of FPS through revised assistance norms and technology integration. In a separate update, Minister for Medical and Health Education, Sakeena Itoo, announced the establishment of two State Cancer Institutes in Jammu and Kashmir, supported by the Government of India under the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases. These institutes, located at SKIMS and Government Medical College, Jammu, are designed to provide comprehensive cancer care, including diagnosis and treatment. The Minister highlighted ongoing efforts to enhance existing facilities and ensure accessible cancer care, particularly for economically disadvantaged individuals. Eligible patients can receive cashless treatment under the Ayushman Bharat scheme, and additional financial support is available through the Cancer Treatment and Management Fund for Poor. These initiatives aim to alleviate the financial burden on patients and ensure timely access to necessary cancer treatments.
