SHIMLA -29 January, 2026

State government ensures uninterrupted food supply despite heavy snowfall: Dr S. P. Katyal

Chairman, State Food Commission Dr. S. P. Katyal today said that the state government was working with full committed to ensuring uninterrupted food security for all beneficiaries, despite the challenges caused by heavy snowfall in several parts of state.

He said that severe weather has temporarily disrupted power supply and internet connectivity in certain areas which has affected the operation of Point of Sale (PoS) machines at Fair Price Shops (FPS). However the State Food Commission in coordination with the state government and district administrations had taken timely steps to ensure that no beneficiary was denied their entitled ration.

He said that sufficient ration stock was available at all Fair Price Shops, including those in tribal and snow-bound regions. Beneficiaries in tribal areas have already been enabled to collect their ration entitlement up to March, 2026 which reflects the state government’s forward planning and people-focused approach.

In areas where ration distribution takes place on a monthly basis and has been temporarily affected due to snowfall the State Food Commission had recommended the activation of the Backlog Distribution Option. This would allow ration distribution to continue smoothly once power supply and connectivity were restored.

Dr. Katyal further said that all district authorities have been directed to identify and report affected areas immediately, particularly those facing power and connectivity issues, along with the current status of ration distribution. He said that instructions have also been issued to activate the backlog option without delay wherever required, so that beneficiaries receive their ration promptly.

The Chairman assured that the State Food Commission was monitoring the situation closely in real time and was working in close coordination with the local authorities to address challenges on the ground swiftly.

==============================

Suggestions invited for budget 2026-27

A spokesperson for the State Government said here today that the process of preparing the State Budget for 2026-27 has begun. He said that, to make the budget more people-centered, participative and truly reflective of the views of different stakeholders in society, suggestions were being invited from the general public, industries, trade bodies and farmers’ associations for the 2026-27 budget. For this purpose, a web portal has been launched on the Finance Department’s website to receive suggestions.

The spokesperson added that the State Government has urged members of the public, industries, trade and farmer's associations, as well as other stakeholders and institutions, to share their valuable ideas. Suggestions may be sent by email to budgetidea.hp@gmail.com or by post to the Principal Secretary (Finance), Government of Himachal Pradesh, Room No. A-216, Armsdale Building, HP Secretariat, Shimla, by 10 February, 2026. Suggestions may relate to any issue, including ways to increase resources, control expenditure and other budget-related matters for the 2026-27 annual budget.

============================================