Suspension hits PDS in Malda

Statesman News Service

MALDA, Dec. 6: The district food and supplies department is facing problem to run the public distribution system in some areas where it has suspended dealers. Though consumers of the suspended dealers have been attached with the nearest dealers, they are facing problem to collect food materials and other items from other dealers. Recently consumers have informed the district controller and food and supplies that they are facing problem to collect food materials from distant places. It may be noted that the Malda district food and supplies department has suspended 28 M R dealers across the district after receiving complaints from the villagers due to public outrage. “We are not in a position to appoint new dealers without cancellation of dealership because they are under suspension. We are trying to find existing dealers in ‘more nearest places’ from the old one from where the ration card holders used to collect food materials”, said Mr Asim Basu , the DCFS. On the other hand, the District Controller Food and Supplies (DCFS) has stopped inquiry on the basis of more than 200 complaints received from the villagers against the dealers because all inspectors are busy with the procurement now. “It is not possible to consider all complaints. We would inquire into the complaints on merit”, Mr Basu said. This week no items from the essential commodities supplies corporation would be distributed through ration dealer shop. “Neither the Essential Commodities Supplies Corporation (ECSC) nor the sub divisional food controller has submitted examination report of food items like suji and flour till date. As a result with out examining the quality of food items from ECSC would not be distributed this week”, the DCFS said. It may be noted that the DCFS had strictly instructed not to lift ECSC items without test certificate after receiving complaints that distributed items like suji and flour which were unfit for human consumption.