-The Statesman
The state government is planning to engage self-help groups and co-operatives to run ration shops, state food and supply minister Jyotipriya Mullick said today at Writers’ Buildings.
He said a large number of ration dealers are involved in corruption and the state government will gradually abolish individual dealership for the smooth functioning of the ration system.
The state government is preparing a draft regarding this matter and will send it to the Union food minister for his approval, he said. A seven member committee has been formed to prepare the draft.
“When the President of India signs it then we can start this system,” the minister said.
Mr Mullick said the state food department has cancelled 143 dealerships and received more complaints against several dealers.
There are around 20138 dealers in West Bengal.
Mr Mullick said the state has also sent letters to the Union food minister asking for special allocation of rice and wheat for west Bengal.
Around 3.90 lakh metric ton rice has been stored in the FCI godown and state government asked the Centre to give it to the state government as it can distribute it to the residents of Junglemahal and people living below the poverty line.
The state government has also asked FCI to provide godowns to store the rice that it has procured from the Centre as the state does not have sufficient storing capacity, the minister said.