Old ration shops to be shifted from narrow streets in UP

Given the problems that the general population and food grains vehicles have in approaching government ration stores due to narrow roadways, the CM Yogi Government has issued an order to relocate these to more accessible sites.

In its order, the government advised that stores be established on the basis of the module devised by Divisional Commissioner Bareilly to promote access to fair price shops. The decision also complies with Section 24(2)(a) of the National Food Security Act of 2013, which states that the State Government will acquire food grains at subsidized rates from Central Government godown through authorized agencies and deliver them to the fair pricing shops’ doorsteps.

It is critical for vehicles delivering food grains to quickly access fair-price retailers under the single-stage system of doorstep delivery of food grains. However, due to its placement on tiny streets, it is difficult for both people and food grains vehicles to reach fair-priced establishments.

An earlier directive in this regard stated that Gram Sabha in rural regions and Nagar Panchayats, Municipal Councils, and Municipal Corporations in urban areas will build ration stores using funds from MGNREGA and other initiatives. As much as possible, these constructions should be based on the availability of space near Panchayat buildings in rural areas and community buildings in urban areas.

The order also states that the Secretary, Government of India, Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, and Ministry of Rural Development, Government of India, have informed that the construction of food grain storage facilities for the implementation of the National Food Security Act 2013, is permissible under MGNREGA.

As a result, the State Government can construct food grain storage facilities under MGNREGA and use them as fair-priced shops. Such structures will only be built on government property.

The State Government has provided authority to pay power bills, provide CSC services, and broadband service under PM Wani, as well as sell commodities of daily need to the common man through fair-price stores, in order to strengthen the profitability of fair-price shops.