Self-Help Groups women to get dealerships

Hyderabad: The Civil Supplies Department chalked out an action plan to ensure uninterrupted supply of essential commodities to the poor in the event of fair price shopkeepers go on strike from August 1.

A top source in the department told the The Hans India that the task of manging the fair price shops would be entrusted to the women in the Self-Help Groups (SHGs). The official complimented the SHGs for efficiently dealing with procurement of rice under Indira Kranti Patham (IKP).

The officials, who are holding talks with the fair price shop dealers, warned the latter of suspension of their dealership in the event of their going on strike. The officials told the dealers that the women drawn from the SHGs would be asked to handle the task of providing ration to the cardholders. Under the Essential Commodities Act, notices can be sent to the dealers after suspending dealership, the official said.

Civil Supplies Commissioner C V Anand is holding talks with the dealers. He held talks with union members headed by Bathula Ramesh, Mallesham, Venkataramana on Tuesday. On Wednesday the Ration Dealers Welfare Sangham members met him. He also held a review meeting with District Civil Supply Officers (DCSOs).

The officials assured the dealers that the commission for them would be increased after completing the rationalisation of fair price shops.

By Md Nizamuddin