The main objective of Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs (FCS&CA) Department is to provide food security to the people by making foodstuff available through various schemes and policy of the Central and State Governments and to ensure regular supply of foodstuffs and Essential Commodities at reasonable price to the general public, and to regulate Consumer welfare and protection of Consumer at large, particularly to the weaker section of the society under the nationwide   network of PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM in the State of Mizoram. 

       The Department is headed by Director who is declared as Head of Department and necessary financial power has been delegated to him by Government for the proper implementation of the PDS. The Director is responsible for proper implementation of the Schemes and policies including maintenance of Accounts, procurement of essential commodities. Compilation of Annual Financial Statement and submission of the same to the Government of Mizoram and to the Accountant General.

The Directorate formulates the policies and guidelines to be followed in respect of procurement, transportation, storage and distribution of foodstuff and also prescribe forms and procedures to be followed by Subordinate Offices. The Directorate will have control over all such offices and prescribe forms for reports and returns to be submitted periodically by all such offices and it is the duty and responsibly of the District Office to comply with such instructions and procedures and submit the prescribed reports and returns within the stipulated time to the Directorate.

 

  1. Different Branches of Directorate :

 To carry out the overall responsibilities in the implementation of the Schemes, the Directorate of Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs is divided into 6 (six) branches such as :-

 

  1. Administration Branch  
  2. General Supply Branch   
  3. Accounts Branch 
  4. Consumer Affairs Cell
  5. Movement and Monitoring Branch
  6. Enforcement and Quality Control Branch.
  1. Administration Branch :

           Administration Branch is responsible to the Director on all matters relating to personnel administration and service matters of employees under the Department, and also in enforcement of employees under the Department and maintenance of decorum and discipline within and outside the office. It is responsible in framing Supply Manual, Rules and Regulations and necessary guidelines from time to time as considered necessary. It deals with matters relating to correspondence with other government departments and private parties and submission of proposals to the Government. It oversees and coordinates the functions of different branches of the office. It takes initiative on matters relating to opening of new District offices, demarcation of jurisdiction of DCSO including minor work such as construction, repairs and renovation of godown, staff quarters etc. It is also entrusted with payment of rent for offices and departmental land including godown and also collection of profession taxes from staffs on behalf of the government.

 (ii)     General Supply Branch :

               General Supply Branch is responsible to the Director in framing rules and regulations for procurement of foodstuffs and its distribution to the general public with valid Ration Card Holders issued by the State Government. In monitoring and ensure implementation of NFSA, 2013 as per Central Guidelines and Rules issued from time to time. To monitor End-to-end computerization of TPDS, to monitor the induction, equitable and fair distribution of LPG under relevant rules and guidelines in force. Control and oversees POL product including SK oil. Various schemes pertaining to distribution of foodgrains introduced by the Central Government are monitored by General Supply Branch.

 (iii)     Accounts Branch :

                The Accounts Branch is responsible to the Director in all financial transactions of the Department. It consists of four Sections, viz.., Budget, Procurement, Compilation and Audit. Works dealt with in each section are as follows :

 

            Budget : Formulation, control, guidance and distribution of Budgetary Fund; Coordination with Finance department and Accountant General, Mizoram in connection with budget.

                  Procurement :  Procurement of foodstuff from Food Corporation of India and Open Market; Reimbursement of subsidy bills and transportation cost.

           Compilation :  Analysis of monthly compilation of stock and cash accounts of all District offices of the department.

               Audit :  Coordination with Accountant General, Mizoram in all matters relating to audit and PAC, Mizoram in connection with the Report of Comptroller & Auditor General of India.

(iv)     Consumer Affairs Cell :

                            This cell is responsible to the Director in all matter concerning Consumer Protection, Price Monitoring, and Consumer Redressal Machinery. It safeguards consumer rights ensures fair pricing practices, and facilitates consumer dispute resolution. The Cell works to enhance consumer awareness, address unfair business practices, streamline and strengthens grievance redressal mechanisms. The Department oversees quasi-judicial entities such as the State and District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commissions to ensure that consumer grievances are addressed and resolved efficiently and fairly. 

                                  In addition to its statutory and regulatory functions, the Consumer Affairs Cell undertakes initiatives and programmes supported under various schemes of the Central Government, ensuring alignment with national objectives while catering to the specific needs of the State.

 

  1. Movement and Monitoring Branch :

          Movement and Monitoring branch is responsible to the Director in all matters concerning movement of foodstuff issued to public through PDS and their movements from FCI base depots to PDCs and to ensure availability of foodstuff at various supply centers. They should work out the requirement of foodstuff as per report submitted by the District Offices and make arrangement for their movement. The branch is also responsible for monitoring of despatch of foodstuff made by all FCI Depots and all centres. 

 

  1. Enforcement and Quality Control Branch:

                Enforcement and Quality Control Branch is responsible to the Director in all matters concerning enforcement works and enforcement of Central/State Acts and Rules relating to essential commodities. The branch will also be responsible as nodal branch concerning legal process/legal suit relating to essential commodities. The Secretary, FCS&CA Department is empowered to enforce the provision of the said Act in the State of Mizoram and the District Magistrate/Deputy Commissioner is also empowered to enforce the provisions of the Act within their respective jurisdiction vide Notification No.B.16011/11/98-FCS&CA dated 6th May 2014.

                                                      This branch is also responsible to the Director in all matters concerning Quality Control of foodstuff issued to public through PDS. The branch is also responsible for maintaining high standard quality of essential commodities in the State and also responsible for checking damaged/deteriorated foodstuff under the custody of the Department. 

                             To ensure the quality of rice supplied by the supplier and to get exact Grade A rice by the Department, a Quality Control and Monitoring Team will be set up as constituted by Government from time to time. For testing surveillance samples of food items, Regional Institute of Paramedical and Nursing Sciences (RIPANS) is notify as a testing Laboratory.