NONGSTOIN: The Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) Nongmisei Unit along with the general secretary of KSU Mawshynrut Circle, Ulysis Ryntong, shot up a complaint letter to the Deputy Commissioner (Supply), West Khasi Hills, against the dealers of fair price shops at Nongmisei and Porthyrnang centre for charging the people for foodgrains under Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana (PMGKY) which are supposed to be distributed free of cost.
According to the Centre, the foodgrains under PMGKY are to be provided to priority households (PHH) under targeted public distribution system (TPDS) and AAY families free of cost during the lockdown period.
The union said that authorised dealer of the fair price shop at Nongmisei centre had died three months back and now the shop is under the management of the secretary and headman of Nongmisei and Porthyrnang.
However, the village authority, who took charge of the shop, has violated the central instruction by charging the BPL families Rs 4.50 per kg for the foodgrains, the union alleged.
President of KSU Nongmisei Unit Sarphosly Rongrin informed that after the union inquired about the matter, it was discerned that the charge was levied to cover up the cost of transportation. However, as per the guidelines, all such cost will be borne by the government.
Rongrin told pressmen here on Tuesday that the village authority has taken advantage of the villagers’ plight.
The Deputy Commissioner (Supply), after hearing the complaint of the union, called the staff of Food & Civil Supply department to take the case seriously and ordered an inquiry into the case.
The union warned all the dealers in the area to refrain from such practices.
