SHIMLA,13^th September, 2026

State government expands public service delivery, strengthens food security and farmer support

Effective public service delivery is at the heart of people-oriented governance. In Himachal Pradesh, the state government, under the visionary leadership of Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, has continued to strengthen systems that ensure essential commodities, agricultural procurement services, consumer services and departmental supplies reach people in a timely and reliable manner.

The Himachal Pradesh State Civil Supplies Corporation Limited, a state government undertaking, has played an important role in this effort. Over the past 46 years, the corporation has remained closely associated with the supply of essential commodities and services to the people of the state.

Through the Public Distribution System, essential commodities such as rice, flour and other food items are being made available to consumers. Specially subsidised commodities, including pulses, edible oil and salt, are being supplied every month to nearly 19.42 lakh ration-card holders across Himachal Pradesh.

The state's network of 54 gas agencies is providing LPG facilities to consumers, while four petrol pumps operated by the Corporation are also serving the public.

Consumer welfare has received particular attention in the provision of medicines. Through 47 medicine shops, consumers are being provided medicines at discounts ranging from 10.25 percent to 50 percent, with round-the-clock services available.

The Corporation is also supporting the functioning of various government departments by supplying cement, pipes, medicines, food items for mid-day meals and cement required for MGNREGA-related works of the Rural Development department.

Direct procurement of agricultural produce from farmers has emerged as another important component of the state government's initiatives.

Decentralised direct procurement of paddy from farmers has been undertaken since 2022-23. During 2025-26, procurement was carried out from October to December, with 21,127 metric tonnes of paddy purchased.

The Corporation has also been directly procuring wheat from farmers since 2023-24. During 2026-27, around 4,567.50 metric tonnes of wheat has been procured.

Under the Prakritik Kheti Khushhal Kisan Yojana, in accordance with the Chief Minister's budget announcement, 217 metric tonnes of maize was procured directly from farmers registered with the Agriculture department during 2025-26. During 2026-27, around 267.96 metric tonnes of wheat has been purchased.

The maize and wheat procured under the initiative are being processed and made available to consumers through fair-price shops under the Brand name 'Him Makki Atta' and 'Him Bhog Wheat Atta' at attractive prices. The initiative provides a direct link between Himachal’s farmers and consumers while promoting produce originating from natural farming.

Given the state's difficult terrain and seasonal challenges, arrangements have been made for advance stocking and timely supply of essential commodities in tribal, difficult and snowbound areas according to seasonal requirements.

At the same time, periodic sample testing is being undertaken to ensure the quality of essential commodities supplied to consumers.

The state government's focus on institutional efficiency also extends to employee welfare. Various welfare schemes are being implemented from time to time, along with the establishment of an Employees' Welfare Fund and the provision of bonus and ex-gratia assistance to corporation employees.

A Grievance Redressal Cell has also been established at the corporation's headquarters to address public complaints. Complaints can be submitted through the designated mechanism, including by email at complaint@himapurti.com.

The corporation has enlisted service providers for event management, catering and exhibition management, enabling government departments, boards and corporations to obtain these services in an organised manner at competitive prices and with quality assurance.

Similarly, suppliers have been listed through an Expression of Interest for providing furniture to government departments, boards, corporations, hospitals, schools and other institutions. The initiative aims to facilitate timely availability of furniture at competitive rates.

Public safety has also remained an important area of intervention. Through the state's 54 gas agencies, household-level LPG safety inspections have been undertaken under the Government of India's basic safety inspection campaign.

Against the prescribed target of 2,52,420 consumers, 2,42,027 consumers or 96 percent, were covered through door-to-door inspection of LPG connections. The consumers were also sensitised about safe LPG usage.

The Corporation is ensuring timely supply of e-grade quality ration, food grains and other essential commodities valued at Rs. 10 to 15 crore to hotels of the Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation.

During difficult times, the public supply system also assumes a critical humanitarian role. In disaster-affected areas, free ration and LPG connections are being provided to affected families in accordance with government directions.

The work undertaken through the Himachal Pradesh State Civil Supplies Corporation reflects the state government's broader commitment to strengthening food security, supporting farmers, protecting consumers and ensuring dependable public services.

With nearly 19.42 lakh ration-card holders receiving subsidised commodities, direct procurement of thousands of tonnes of agricultural produce, medicine services offering substantial discounts, extensive LPG safety coverage and dedicated arrangements for remote, snowbound and disaster-affected areas, the system continues to address the practical needs of people across the state.

A responsive supply system is ultimately a measure of responsive governance. By strengthening these institutions and expanding their reach, the state government is working towards building a Himachal where public services remain accessible, reliable and people-centric from its towns and villages to its most remote and challenging regions.