Dimapur, October 19 (MExN): Dealers of fair price shops (FPS) under the public distribution system across Nagaland have appealed the state government to clear all pending bills related to transportation and handling commission, and warned of “democratic forms of agitation” if the dues are not cleared.
Making the appeal on behalf of the dealers, the All Nagaland Fair Price Shop Association issued a press statement on Tuesday expressing its dismay over the government’s ‘lackadaisical attitude.’ The transportation and handling commission for the Fair Price Shop dealers has a backlog of nearly 3 years along with the distribution of Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana, the association stated.
It said that a representation in this regard was also submitted through the Director, Food & Civil Supply Dimapur, Nagaland office but the appeal was ‘kept in the dark’ and no payment was made.
The association stated that besides the normal monthly food grain distribution to National Food Security Act 2013 beneficiaries, the FPS dealers also put in extra efforts to issue essential commodities of different schemes announced by the Government of India since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, despite the “sacrifices and commitment rendered upon thus far, we are utterly amazed to see the department and present state government’s apathy towards the Fair Price Shop dealers in addressing the genuine appeal,” the release stated.
It said that FPS dealers all over Nagaland are having serious financial constraints and appealed the state government to address the matter with utmost priority, as it has come to a point where “FPS dealers may have to close down due to financial drawbacks owing to non payment of the margin.”
“The Association has no other option but to start its democratic forms of agitation in the event of the government’s failure to address the genuine appeal made by FPS dealers,” it said, adding that such a move would be initiated from November onwards. It also held the government solely responsible “in the event of any commotion” that may arise.
Meanwhile, the Association informed all the district unit offices to be prepared to respond as and when the call is made.
It also appealed beneficiaries and the general public at large to recognize the rational approach of the FPS dealers and support the issue. “The FPS dealers have been and shall be working vigorously to provide better services between the Government and the NFSA 2013 beneficiaries in the days to come,” the release stated.
