Customer rights body slams ration dealers

FROM OUR CORRESPONDENT

SILCHAR, Oct 4: Despite proper implementation of tiol Food Security Act (NFSA), Khadya Surakhsa Yoja, the activities of a section of ration dealers and a few members of committees are posing a threat to it. Senior leader and members of Grahak Surakhsa Samiti (GSS) have alleged that some unscrupulous activities on the part of officials and ration dealers have crept into the scheme. It has been observed that the officials behave in such a manner that one has to believe as if they are somehow linked with such activities. Of lately, officials and ration card dealers ask customers to provide valid documents in order to prove their authenticity for consuming rice under the scheme.

 The officials, as the representative of the government, should have raised voice against such ration dealers who harass customers on no solid and valid grounds. Government has been providing rice at the rate of Rs.2 or Rs.3 a kg every month and it should be distributed accordingly. The government not only distributes evenly, it also announces about the availability of the rice. However, it is not happening as directed. On the contrary, a large number of ration dealers are selling rice at the rate of Rs.4 or Rs.5 a kg. The question of officials and their activities arises at this juncture. The officials do not pay any heed to it.

 The irresponsive attitude of the officials is disheartening customers. The government has also provided for two options regarding distribution of rice. Either it should be distributed at a time or on installment basis. The administration should do something in this regard because a large number of ration dealers of the valley are forcing customers to buy rice at the rate of Rs.5 a kg or to take 500 gm less. It has been stated by the members of the Samiti that the dealers produce lame excuses in the me of transportation cost and other problems. Even if these there are problems, it should be resolved at the earliest so that none bears losses.

 Ration dealer shops are licensed shops that should run according to the rules and regulations prescribed by the government. Samiti members have mentioned it in particular that how can dealers cheat customers. GSS is of the opinion that customers should not be harassed at any cost and that such unscrupulous activities be nipped in the bud. They stated that such dealers should be taken to task by the administration at the earliest otherwise there will be a series of mass movements, protests and demonstrations.