VASCO: In order to curb the rising black marketing in the fair price shops in the state, the minister for Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs, Mr Jose Philip D’Souza, has directed the Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Department officials,

to carry out surprise inspections in the fair price shops, and to initiate action against those involved in black marketeering, by canceling the licenses issued to them if they are found guilty.

He was speaking to the media after hearing the grievances of the women at New- Vaddem on Monday evening, where over 300 women from the locality held a protest march towards the Mormugao mamlatdar office in Vasco, condemning and protesting the distribution of only 5 kg rice, from the fair price shops in the state for the month of March.

While answering the queries of the women in a meeting held near Shree Rashtroli Jai Santoshi Mata Sansthan at New Vaddem, Mr D’Souza informed that the quota of rice has been reduced to 5 kg for the month of March, due to limited quota sanctioned by the central government, to the Above Poverty Line (APL) beneficiaries.

He however informed that the balance quota of rice would be adjusted to the fair price consumers in the coming month. Mr D’Souza stated that the civil supplies and consumer affairs department will conduct surprise checks to the fair price shops in order to stop the black marketeering of the essential commodities such as rice, wheat and also kerosene.

Mr D’Souza further said that it is difficult to initiate action against the owners of fair price shops as the consumers are afraid of lodging a complaint against the owners fearing repercussions. He also requested the people to come forward and lodge complaint against such fair price shop owners, who indulge in unfair practices, so that the authorities can take immediate action and cancel their licenses.

After the demonstration, the women met the Minister and handed over a signature copy of over 300 women, demanding the increase in the quota.