Consumer Affairs branch of Sonitpur lodged FIRs against two FPS owners

A Correspondent

Tezpur: The Food, Civil Supplies, and Consumer Affairs branch of Sonitpur has initiated legal action against two fair price shop owners after it was found that they had been indulging in alleged violation of provisions of the Essential Commodities Act, 1955.

An FIR was lodged against Ramesh Basumatary, fair price shop dealer of village Bhalukpung Nigam, 16 Mile under Chariduar Revenue Circle area falling under Chariduar P.S. His PDS license has already been suspended. The case No.CDR PS 49/20 dated April 25, 2020 was registered against him for violation of the Assam Public Distribution Article Order, 1982 under section 7 of the Essential Commodities Act, 1955. The FIR was lodged after 286 Priority Household Cards were seized from his possession and gross anomalies were found in the functioning of his FPS upon inspection.

Another case No. 281/20 dated April 25, 2020 was filed against Ananta Kalita, fair price shop dealer of village Gejengaguri under Dhekiajuli PS under section 420/406 IPC and Section 7 of the Essential Commodities Act, 1955 for gross anomalies in distribution of PDS goods. His licence has already been suspended.

All inspectors and sub-inspectors of the F&CS department have been directed to frequently visit all wholesalers and retailers in the areas under their jurisdiction and ensure that price list of all essential items is displayed in the shop premises and to take necessary legal action against any defaulting traders. They have also been directed to activate all existing vigilance and monitoring committees at GPSS/FP shop level to monitor the lifting and distribution of monthly allotted commodities as per government norms, and at the same time ensure social distancing and proper sanitization practices.

Additionally, all Block Development Officers have been directed to supervise all wholesalers and retailers dealing in grocery items in cooperation with PRI members so that they cannot charge more from the customers than the rate fixed by the district administration.

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