Consumers of greater Sriko articulate their grievances

Special Correspondent
Silchar, Nov 22: After remaining silent for the last 2 years, the people of greater Sriko, 7 km from here and located in the western fringe of this town, have voiced their concern at the corruption in public distribution system (PDS). They have often gone for agitation over the issues of electricity, road connectivity, LPG and public distribution system which has brought them positive results. In the absence of any guidance or proper leadership, they have again been caught in the cobweb of problems. One of the residents, Parimal Dey, attributed it to the ictivity of the unit of Grahak Suraksha Samiti (GSS).
As their various problems have again cropped up, affecting their normal day to day life, the people have decided to revive the GSS by reposing their faith and confidence in it. Accordingly, a general meeting was convened today to discuss the issues and what steps can be taken to resolve them. Ajoy Kumar Das, an inhabitant of the area, said some fair price shops with the signboards of ‘Amar Dokan’ are indulging in charging more than the fixed prices of various consumer goods. They have sufficient stocks of rice, pulses and potatoes, but taking advantage of the cash and coin crunch have been charging more.
 The consumers of the area in general have said they have not found any difference in the prices of these consumer goods from that of the retail shop owners. The very promise of the administration to make available the consumer goods at fair price shops seems to have fizzled out. Partha Chakraborty, a member of GSS, pointed out it is no use airing the grievances. The better way, as he said, is to become conscious and to make the people understand their own responsibility to stand up and raise voice against any malpractices in order to send a message to those involved in black marketing and fleecing of the helpless consumers.
 Former president of Indragarh GP said in anguish that kerosene in Sriko area is being sold at the rate of Rs.60 to Rs.70 per litre in the market and in some shops. He questions how the state regulated kerosene can found way in open market. Their protests go in vain. Maula Tamiz Uddin, Ratan Roy, Masabbir Ali, Bikash Das, Aftab Uddin and others expressed their surprise that the post of the president of Consumers’ Court should remain vacant for a long time. The state government is not at all concerned about it. Whom should the consumers approach with their grievances and where will they get justice, they asked?
 Ashis Choudhury, former member of Consumers’ Court, pointed out instead of blaming others, each and every consumer has to be aware to assert and get their complaints redressed. At the concluding part of the meeting, the consensus that emerged is to unite and fight. It is through an organization like GSS which alone can find a solution. There is no use to indulge in high sounding talks and vain discussions. The committee of GSS has been revived to give a definite direction and dimension to the people’s voice and also for any agitation that might be needed in future.