Food and Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Minister Imran Hussian on Thursday conducted a surprise inspection of ration shops in Pandav Nagar area of East Delhi and ordered one of them to be sealed after finding it shut.
“A shop in Pandav Nagar was sealed after it was found closed during working hours and locals complained that the shop usually opens during evenings,” a Government official said.
Hussain also carried out surprise inspections of a few Fair Price Shops (FPS) in Laxmi Nagar area in East District AC-58 to check the functioning of ration shops.
During inspection of one of the Fair Price Shop (FPS), Hussian found that the FPS dealer was selling atta (flour) in violation of the norms and provisions of NFS Act 2013. 11 kg atta (flour) was also found at the FPS premises, which is a grave irregularity.
Notably, the FPS dealer was also found issuing bills and cash memos for rice whereas the beneficiaries were not taking rice.
During interaction with ration beneficiaries, the minister learnt that few beneficiaries do not take rice yet the FPS dealer issues receipts and makes entries in their ration cards showing that the rice was also being sold to them under the NFS Act 2013.
On the directions of the Minister, the F&S team weighed the food articles and found rice in excess quantities at the FPS premises.
Ration beneficiaries complained that such practice of issuing bills showing sale of rice though the beneficiaries were not taking the same, was going on for the last 2 years at least.
In second round of inspection, Hussian found that the shops were in ununhygienic condition.
He spoke to the ration beneficiaries who informed that the FPS dealer sells atta (flour) in place of wheat for which he charges Rs 12/- per kg.
“Some FPSs were found not displaying mandatory information on the display boards at their premises. During inspection one FPS was reported remaining locked most of the times,” quoting Chief Minister Office’s statement.