Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister (CM) Dr Mohan Yadav on Friday reviewed the functioning of the Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Protection Department and stressed the need for continuous innovation to strengthen consumer welfare across Madhya Pradesh.

During the review meeting held at the ministry, CM Dr Yadav said the department should work in closer coordination with other government wings to ensure efficient delivery of services and greater public benefit. He noted that several reforms introduced by the department were already helping consumers and should be carried forward consistently.

CM lauds Mukhyamantri Ann Seva Jagrukta programme

In the meeting, CM Dr Yadav highlighted the upgrading of fair price shops into ‘Jan Poshan Marts’, calling it an important step towards improving accessibility and public convenience. He also praised the ‘Mukhyamantri Ann Seva Jagrukta Programme’, under which eligible beneficiaries receive mobile notifications regarding ration allotment and distribution.

According to the Chief Minister, the initiative has improved transparency in the public distribution system and strengthened communication with consumers.

Savings through route optimisation and digital monitoring

CM Dr Yadav went on to say that the route optimisation exercise carried out under the ‘Mukhyamantri Yuva Annadoot Yojana’ had reduced transportation costs significantly, resulting in monthly savings of nearly Rs 42 lakh for the government.

He added that vehicles operating under the scheme are being monitored through GPS tracking linked to a state-level command and control centre. The Civil Supplies Corporation has also introduced an online payment system at all operational levels to improve efficiency and accountability.

The Chief Minister appreciated the Warehousing and Logistics Corporation for arranging training programmes at the Indian Institute of Management Mumbai aimed at reducing grain storage losses in warehouses.

CM pushes for skill development and wheat procurement reforms

Furthermore, the Chief Minister also directed officials to continue skill development activities for corporation employees. He also reviewed the verification process for procurement, milling and transportation vehicles through the ULIP software system.

Officials informed in the meeting that Madhya Pradesh had emerged as the third state after Odisha and Punjab to implement a system enabling payments through CC limits for purchasing empty gunny bags from the Jute Commissioner during foodgrain procurement operations. The move reportedly helped save nearly Rs 18 crore in interest expenditure.

The Chief Minister also instructed officials to develop a wheat procurement model that would support processing and grading activities in coordination with micro, small and medium enterprises, while encouraging participation from self-help groups.