12-point charter of demands
SHILLONG, April 22: The Fair Price Shop Dealers’ Association (FPSDA) has issued a one-month ultimatum to the state government to address its 12-point charter of demands including implementation of a minimum profit margin of Rs 764 per quintal, in line with central government recommendations approved by the tripartite World Food Program.
On Tuesday, the association met with Food and Civil Supplies Minister Comingone Ymbon to press for action on their longstanding issues. A memorandum outlining their key concerns was submitted during the meeting.
The association also emphasized the need for a guaranteed minimum monthly income of Rs 60,000 for fair price shop dealers, either in the form of an honorarium or by classifying them as Group D government employees under the state.
They further requested the immediate reimbursement of pending margins across all categories under the NFSA and PMGKY schemes, as well as compensation for the families of fair price dealers who passed away due to COVID-19.
The FPSDA also demanded the immediate release of the pending profit margin of Rs 180 per quintal, along with the enforcement of free doorstep delivery of goods across the state. Additionally, the association sought reimbursement for expenses — totaling several crores — incurred by dealers for doorstep delivery operations since 2020.
According to the association, dealers currently receive profit margins ranging from Rs 101 to Rs 142.50 per quintal, against the approved rate of Rs 180. They urged the government to clear the outstanding difference promptly.
Another key demand was the inclusion of essential items — particularly sugar for AAY cardholders — into the Public Distribution System (PDS), as mandated under the NFSA.
Additional concerns raised included compensation for transportation losses, hill area subsidies, and wastage. The association also called for the deduction of gunny bag weight from the total sack weight and for the immediate release of the pending amount of Rs 17 to Rs 26 per quintal for e-POS machine operations.
Aadhaar, e-KYC enrolment drive
The Fair Price Shop Dealers’ Association also announced its decision to fully support the government’s Aadhaar and e-KYC enrolment drive to ensure that the June 2025 deadline is met, thereby bringing all existing beneficiaries under the ration system.
During the meeting with Food and Civil Supplies Minister Comingone Ymbon, association members pointed out that many PDS beneficiaries in remote areas remain unaware of the Aadhaar seeding and e-KYC requirements.
Speaking to reporters after the meeting, FPSDA General Secretary Richard Khongwir highlighted that limited access to Aadhaar authentication centres, coupled with poor internet connectivity, continues to pose challenges in these regions.
Khongwir stated that the association is ready to collaborate closely with the department and recommended launching a statewide awareness campaign. He suggested the use of SMS, WhatsApp, and local media to effectively inform beneficiaries about the importance of completing the e-KYC process.
The FPSDA also raised concerns regarding a recent directive mandating the use of weighing machines for distribution and sought clarity on the profit margin for fair price shops.