DC Namchi visited Fair Price Shops at Assangthang area in continuation of Special Drive for Oversight of Fair Price Shops

Namchi, 5th January: In continuation of Special Drive for Oversight of Fair Price Shops today Mr. M. Bharani Kumaar, IAS, District Collector/Magistrate, Namchi District visited Fair Price Shops located at Assangthang area. He was accompanied by Mr. Tenzing Bhutia, DCSO/Namchi, Mr. Takendra Rai, DEO Namchi and Hon’ble, Panchayat Members Mr. Bhim Narayan Rai, Upper Assangthang Ward, Mrs. Prem Maya Tamang, Middle Assangthang and Mrs. Hari Maya Manger, Lower Assangthang.
The District Collector visited three FPSs viz :-
a.M/S Chet Bahadur Chettri
b.M/S Santa Kumar Chettri
c.M/S Purna Singh Rai
During his inspection, most of the FPSs shops had not displayed License issued by the authority and directed them to display the same at a conspicuous places. One shop was found still using beam scale and directed him immediately replace with Electronic Weighing Machine. Fire extinguishers were also verified and directed to refill in case of date already expired and also directed to keep first aid box and food grain sample alongwith rate board having information of all the foodgrain and rate thereof given by the Food & Civil Supplies Department . The DCSO also directed all the FPSs to issue ration using e-PoS machine and not to entertain manually.
The District Collector while visiting FPSs shops observed that some of other shops selling tobacco, cigarette and bidi etc., in the close vicinity of school complex and strictly directed shop owners not to sell these kinds of items. As per the COTPA Act 2003 these kind of items are not allowed to sell within the area of 100 meters from the school area and he further warned them that in case next time caught found selling these items shall be booked under relevant Act and prosecuted accordingly which may result on cancellation of license and closure of shops for a considerable period of time.
It is reiterated that the DC/Namchi shall be visiting FPSs every month randomly without informing stakeholders. He also requested Hon’ble Panchayats concerned to pass the resolution in their Gram Sambas not to allow shops to sell these kinds of items within the school areas which are likely to spoil the future of the students.
(Press Release from District Civil Supplies Officer, Namchi District)