Bengal: Federation proposes transformation of PDS shops into multi-service centres to check rising prices

Kolkata, Aug 26 (IANS) The All India Fair Price Shop Dealers’ Federation, a national association of fair price shop owners in the country, has given a proposal to the West Bengal government for transformation of the PDS (public distribution shops) in the state into multi-service centres in a bid to prevent the skyrocketing prices of essential commodities in the market.

In a letter addressed to West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, the federation’s national general secretary, Biswambhar Basu, proposed that arrangements be made for medicines, non-subsidised five-kilogram gas cylinders and other essential commodities through the ration shops in the state.

In the letter, Basu claimed that if this initiative of transforming PDS shops into multi-service centres is implemented, it will be possible to deliver essential goods and services to the common people at low prices even in remote areas.

“The recent flood situation in the state, along with the rapid price hike, has caused problems for the common people. In such a situation, the ration dealers’ organisation is ready to cooperate with the government’s initiative to curb price hike. We feel that more effective public services can be developed by utilising the extensive network of ration dealers and their ability to reach remote areas,” read the letter to the Chief Minister.

The first of the proposals, according to the letter, is to make the additional allocated rice and wheat available to the common people at a comparatively lower price through the central government’s ‘tide-over allocation’ to control the prices of rice and wheat.

Along with this, the Federation has also proposed to start Pradhan Mantri Janaposhan Kendra and Pradhan Mantri Jan Aushadhi Kendra at the ration shops. As a result, the Federation feels it will be possible to provide other essential services to the people at affordable prices along with food products.

In addition, the Federation has sought permission for the provision for selling non-subsidised gas weighing five kilograms and the sale of all types of daily necessities from the PDS shops. The Federation claimed that if such a multi-faceted marketing system is introduced by respecting the central policy, ration dealers will be able to play an effective role.

The letter also states that if given the opportunity, ration dealers were ready to prepare an outline of an effective distribution system by contacting the concerned authorities and central agencies.

In the current situation, the Federation claimed, the ration dealers are giving more importance to the overall needs of the state and providing proper services to the common people than business profits.

The Federation has requested the Chief Minister to arrange for a high-level meeting immediately under the leadership of the State Food Minister Ashok Kirtania on this count.

–IANS

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