Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Jan 6: Member of Parliament (MP) Chowdhry Mohammad Ramzan, who is part of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Food, Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution, today attended a high-level meeting involving other members of the Committee, Chief Secretaries, Commissioner Secretaries, and Managing Directors and CEOs of various banks in New Delhi, where several issues of public importance were discussed in detail.
During the meeting, Ramzan pointed out that food grain distribution under the National Food Security framework is still based on the 2011 beneficiary survey, leading to the exclusion of many eligible families due to significant demographic and socio-economic changes over the past 14 years. He stressed that interim arrangements must be made to ensure all deserving beneficiaries receive food grains and essential supplies until a fresh survey is conducted.
He also raised serious concerns over complaints of substandard “plastic rice” being distributed through the public distribution system, sought factual clarification from the authorities, and called for strict quality checks, transparent monitoring and stringent action to prevent recurrence.
The MP also expressed concern over prevailing banking policies, particularly the wide gap between high loan interest rates charged to customers, often ranging from 11 to 14 per cent, and comparatively low interest rates of around 5 to 6 per cent offered on deposits. He emphasized the need for a fair, transparent and balanced interest rate structure in the larger public interest.
Highlighting issues in digital banking, Ramzan noted that while UPI transactions are largely free, customers are burdened with charges on debit and credit card transactions, often without adequate awareness or consent. He urged a comprehensive review and waiver of such charges to ensure digital banking remains affordable and inclusive.
He further raised concerns over customer service standards in banks, stating that senior citizens and common customers are often subjected to insensitive behaviour. He called for strict action against misconduct and stressed the need for dedicated facilities, barrier-free access, priority services and basic amenities at all bank branches to ensure citizen-centric banking services.
Earlier, Ramzan visited Puducherry and held detailed and wide-ranging discussions with Chief Minister (CM) N Rangasamy on several important issues concerning the overall functioning and administration of Puducherry. Speaker of the Puducherry Legislative Assembly, Embalam R Selvam, was also present.
The discussions primarily focused on administrative and functional challenges being faced by the Union Territory, which, according to the MP, require timely intervention and coordinated efforts to ensure efficient governance and smooth delivery of public services.
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