Kupwara, Jan 6: Member of Parliament Chowdry Mohammad Ramzan attended a high-level meeting involving Members of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Food Distribution and Consumer Affairs, Chief Secretaries, Commissioner Secretaries, and Managing Directors and CEOs of major banks, including State Bank of India, Indian Bank and Canara Bank. Several critical public-interest issues were discussed during the meeting.
Addressing food security concerns, MP Ramzan expressed serious concern that the distribution of food grains and essential ration items under the National Food Security framework is still based on the 2011 beneficiary survey.
He pointed out that after nearly 14 years, significant changes in population and socio-economic conditions have taken place, leading to the exclusion of many deserving families from food security coverage. He strongly urged that until a fresh survey is conducted, alternative arrangements must be made to ensure food grains and essential supplies reach all eligible left-out beneficiaries, so that no family is deprived of its right to food. His intervention was appreciated and lauded by other members of the Committee.
The MP also raised consumer concerns regarding the alleged distribution of substandard “plastic rice” under the Public Distribution System. He sought a clear factual clarification from the authorities and details of action taken if such complaints are found to be genuine. Emphasising that food safety and quality are non-negotiable, particularly in welfare schemes meant for the poor and vulnerable, he called for strict quality checks, transparent monitoring mechanisms and stringent action to prevent recurrence of such incidents and to restore public confidence in the food supply system.
On banking issues, Chowdry Mohammad Ramzan highlighted the sharp disparity between high loan interest rates charged to customers, often ranging from 11 to 14 per cent, and the relatively low interest rates of around 5 to 6 per cent offered on deposits. While acknowledging the substantial profits reported by banks, he stressed that customers and depositors form the backbone of the banking system. He urged a review of interest rate policies to ensure they are balanced, transparent and fair in the larger public interest.
Raising concerns over digital banking, the MP pointed out that while UPI transactions are largely free, customers are often burdened with charges on debit and credit card transactions, frequently without proper awareness or informed consent. He noted that these hidden charges cumulatively impose an unnecessary financial burden on ordinary citizens and urged that such charges be reviewed and waived in the public interest to keep digital banking affordable, transparent and inclusive, especially for small account holders and first-time users.
The MP further drew attention to customer service standards in banks, particularly the lack of human sensitivity in dealing with customers, including senior citizens. He stressed that arrogance, unruly conduct or insensitive behaviour by bank staff is unacceptable and must attract strict and deterrent action. He also called for dedicated facilities for senior citizens and persons with disabilities, including adequate seating, priority assistance, barrier-free access and the mandatory availability of clean toilets and washrooms at all bank branches to ensure citizen-centric banking services.
At the conclusion of the meeting, MP Chowdry Mohammad Ramzan was warmly felicitated and accorded a gracious welcome by senior officials, including Chief Secretaries, Commissioner Secretaries, and the Managing Directors and CEOs of the banks present.
