Power of State Government to make rules

Under Section 40 of the Act, the State Government may make rules to carry out the provisions of the Act. The Meghalaya State Food Commission Rules 2014 was notified on 6th July 2015. The Rules provide for constitution of the Commission, conditions for appointment of Chairperson and other Members, tenure, functions of the Commission, salaries, honorarium and other allowances, appointment of officers and staff of the Commission and powers relating to enquiries. The Meghalaya State Food Commission (Ammendment) Rules 2018 was notified on 24th January 2018, and these  include powers of inspection, procedure for meetings, duties of Member Secretary, procedure for hearing appeals and timelines for disposal, financial powers of the Commission as per the delegation of financial powers, rules and circulars as issued by the Finance Department.

The Department of Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs had also prepared the draft Meghalaya Food Security Rules  which was circulated to the concerned stakeholders. These Rules provide for identification of eligible beneficiaries/ households, eligibility criteria for Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) families, appointment of District Grievance Redressal Officers and Assistant Grievance Redressal Officers, Internal Grievance Redressal System, duties of the Nodal Officer for implementation of the Public Distribution System, appearing before the Grievance Redressal Officer, timely disposal of complaints, formation of Vigilance Committees at four levels, social audit, keeping the Rules and guidelines in public domain, payment of food security allowance and reforms in the TPDS. The Commission has requested the Department to include provisions for Social Welfare and Education Departments to set up their own Grievance Redressal Mechanisms with Toll Free  numbers, and a designated Officer to ensure its effective functioning. All documents relating to Mid Day Meal Scheme and Integrated Child Development Services should also be put in public domain and institutions such as government schools, anganwadis and Fair Price Shops. The Departments should also take adequate measures to create awareness among the public about their entitlements and various services provided under the Act.

The Food Security Rules 2018 have since been approved and is placed at Annexure.