Sept. 9, The government’s fair price shops or outlets that are coming into operation from September 17 will not be selling sugar. Every year, the Ministry of Industry, Commerce, and Supply operates fair price shops that offer essential goods at discounted price.
According to Urmila KC, undersecretary at the MoICS, Food Management and Trade Company Ltd. and Salt Trading Corporation, have run out of sugar stock due to export restrictions by India.
Meanwhile, consumer activists criticised the government’s decision not to offer sugar at fair price, saying the move irresponsible and in favour of sugar traders. They claimed that the government’s inability to ensure smooth supply of sugar had promoted the black market, where traders and public in the bordering towns are importing it via illegal channels. However, sugar production has been affected as sugarcane cultivation continues to decline.
Meanwhile, 75 fair price shops will be operated across the country, will offer rice, pulses, salt, beans, oil, live goats, and mountain goats at subsidised rates.
Considering the pandemic situation, this year also, the government has arranged online shopping for consumers. Using the website of concerned firms, consumers can order their groceries. Fair price shops are stated to run till November 1.
