The Department of Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs came into existence as a separate unit in the State during the year 1973. It was a part of co-operative department prior to this arrangement. This department is the backbone of the State Government. The organization of Weights and Measures was also merged with the department during the year, 1981. The department mainly deals with the demand and supply of various essential commodities in the open market as well as Public Distribution System. The basic responsibility of the department is the enforcement of various control orders against the Essential Commodities Act, 1955 for Price Stabilization and matter relating to Weights & Measures.

The main motives of the department are:

1.To strengthen the Targeted Public Distribution System.

2.To ensure easy availability of Essential Commodities on reasonable rates.

3.To create awareness amongst the consumers about their rights.

The department functions differently at various levels of the administration in District, State and Centre respectively. Again, at each level there are following jobs related to monitoring of:

• Market Rates
• Allocation and Lifting
• Ration Cards
• Fair Price Shops
• Inspections/Raids
• Issuances of Licenses

The information relating day to day activities are being reported on Daily, Weekly basis to the Ministry of Food & Civil Supplies, Govt. of India. The information generated at Fair Price Shops and Inspectorate level is compiled at District Level and sent to the State H. Q.  where it  is again compiled and consolidated and then conveyed to the Centre.