In terms of Section 16(1) of the National Food Security Act, 2013, the Government of West Bengal constituted the West Bengal State Food Commission vide Notification No. 3658-FS Dated: 21-11-2017 to exercise the powers conferred upon and to perform the functions assigned to the State Food Commission under Chapter VII of the National Food Security Act, 2013 (Act of 2013)

Section 16(2) of the National Food Security Act, 2013 states that the State Food Commission shall consist of

  • a Chairperson
  • five other members; and
  • a Member-Secretary

In terms of Section 16(5) of the National Food Security Act, 2013, the Government of West Bengal has issued Notification No. 2243-FS/Sectt./Food/14R-04/15 Dated 9th August, 2018 ‘West Bengal State Food Commission (Method of appointment, conditions of service of Chairperson, other Members, Member-Secretary and Staff) Rules 2018.

Based on provisions under section 16(3) and 16(5) of the National Food Security Act, 2013, the Government of West Bengal vide Notification No. 539-FS dated 08-02-2021 has appointed

Shri Satish Chandra Tewary, IAS as Chairperson of the West Bengal State Food Commission w.e.f. 1st March, 2021.

AND

Vide Notification No. 815-FS Dated 25-02-2021 Shri H. Ramulu, IAS (Retd.) as member of the West Bengal State Food Commission w.e.f. 1st March, 2021.

Objective:

As envisaged in section 16 Chapter VII of the National Food Security Act, 2013, the objective of West Bengal State Food Commission is to act as a statutory body in matters of effective implementation of the National Food Security Act, 2013 in the State and redresses grievance, if any.

Functions:

As per Section16(6) of the National Food Security Act, 2013, the State Food Commission shall undertake the following functions, namely:

  • monitor and evaluate the implementation of this Act, in relation to the State;
  • either suo motu or on receipt of complaint inquire into violations of entitlements provided under Chapter II;
  • give advice to the State Government on effective implementation of this Act;
  • give advice to the State Government, their agencies, autonomous bodies as well as non-governmental organisations involved in delivery of relevant services, for the effective implementation of food and nutrition related schemes, to enable individuals to fully access their entitlements specified in this Act;
  • hear appeals against orders of the District Grievance Redressal Officer;
  • prepare annual reports which shall be laid before the State Legislature by the State Government.

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