All Assam Fair Price Shop owners threaten to stop distribution of rice

GUWAHATI: The All Assam Fair Price Shop Dealers' Association (AAFPSDA) on Tuesday stated that they will stop distributing rice to the beneficiaries of National Food Security Act (NFSA) from September 1 if the State government fails to release their long-standing commissions. Addressing the media, Association general secretary Hari Narayan Dutta said that since August 2019 they have not received commissions for distributing rice.

Moreover, they are yet to receive their commissions under various other schemes, he said, adding that they also distributed 5 kg rice to each beneficiary of the 'Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana' and dal and chana to beneficiaries of various other schemes, Dutta underlined.

Dutta pointed out, "In 2015, the Centre had announced Rs 143 as commission for the distribution of one quintal of rice. However, by deducting Rs. 42.90 per quintal the State government has been providing Rs 100.10 instead of Rs. 143 per quintal. Altogether they should receive around Rs 537 crore as the total commission from the government."

In this regard, the Association held a meeting on July 12 following which they submitted a memorandum with eight demands to the Chief Minister. Dutta further said that in the memorandum they had informed the government that they will not distribute rice from September 1. However, the government did not pay any heed to our demands, he added.

On August 24, the government assured the dealer association that their demands will be fulfilled. After getting the government's assurance, the dealers' asserted that they will not pursue their decision to stop the distribution only if all the members receive the expected commission. There are 38,235 Fair Price shop dealers in the State.

Also Watch: Get Set Global: Assam for Global Assamese & Their Contributions