Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji
Panaji, Mar 17: With an increasing number of Fair Price Shops (FPS) in Goa opting for closure due to financial challenges, the State government has initiated a plan to merge these outlets with nearby operational ones to ensure uninterrupted distribution of subsidized food grains to beneficiaries. So far, 21 FPS have been integrated into the nearest functioning shops.
To address the financial strain on FPS dealers, the Department of Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs is set to introduce a “Compensation to FPS Dealers” scheme. Under this initiative, each operational FPS will receive a monthly support of Rs 9,500 to cover expenses, alongside an increase in profit margins per item to improve viability.
Director of Civil Supplies Jayant Tari explained that FPS closures occur due to various reasons, including financial unviability, the death of the owner, and personal family issues. However, to prevent disruption in ration distribution, these outlets are being attached to the nearest operational FPS, ensuring that registered beneficiaries continue to receive essential commodities.
Among the affected areas, five FPS each in Tiswadi and Mormugao have been merged with operational shops. Quepem has seen three closures, while two FPS each in Salcete, Ponda, and Pernem have been integrated. Bardez and Canacona reported one closure each, while no such cases have emerged in Dharbandora, Sanguem, Sattari, and Bicholim.
Currently, Goa has around 450 FPS under the Public Distribution System (PDS), serving nearly 10 lakh ration cardholders with essential commodities like rice, wheat, and sugar at subsidized prices.
The government’s new scheme includes waiving the ePoS (electronic Point of Sale) rental charge of Rs 0.10 per kg and adding an ePoS incentive of Rs 105 per ton, which will impose an additional financial burden of over Rs 10 crore on the State.
As part of the proposed reforms, FPS dealers will receive ?9,500 per month to cover expenses such as wages, electricity, rent, taxes, transportation, and handling costs. Additionally, the cost of fortified rice under the Above Poverty Line (APL) category will increase from Rs 12.50 to Rs 16.50 per kg, while the margin commission on rice has been revised from Rs 2.80 to Rs 3.15 per kg.
These measures aim to prevent further closures and provide much-needed financial stability to FPS dealers while ensuring the uninterrupted delivery of essential supplies to beneficiaries.