Synopsis
In a significant policy shift, the Maharashtra government has raised the commission for ration shopkeepers by Rs 20 per quintal, now totaling Rs 170, benefiting 7 crore rural beneficiaries. Additionally, ration shops are allowed to sell 10 essential commodities, enhancing food distribution efficiency.Key Takeaways
- Commission Increase: Ration shopkeepers' commission rises to Rs 170.
- Expanded Offerings: Ration shops can now sell 10 essential commodities.
- Technology Integration: New mechanisms for procurement and distribution to be implemented.
- Office Restructuring: Rationing offices in Mumbai and Thane to be reorganized.
- Timely Distribution: Emphasis on systematic food distribution to cardholders.
Mumbai, April 15 (NationPress) In a significant policy move, the Maharashtra government announced on Tuesday an increase in the commission for ration shopkeepers distributing food grains to 7 crore beneficiaries throughout rural Maharashtra by Rs 20 per quintal, elevating it from Rs 150 to Rs 170.
Additionally, a crucial decision was made to permit ration shops to sell 10 essential commodities approved by the Central government and provided through NAFED.
These resolutions were made during a meeting led by the Deputy Chief Minister and Minister of Food and Civil Supplies, Ajit Pawar.
“Today’s decision addresses a long-standing demand from ration shopkeepers. Ration shops are vital for distributing affordable food grains to over 80 crore individuals nationwide, including 7 crore in Maharashtra. A robust system is already in place for transporting food grains from FCI godowns under the Central Government to ration shops in both urban and rural areas of Maharashtra,” stated the Deputy Chief Minister.
He further noted that to facilitate this, a new framework for procurement, distribution, control, and maintenance utilizing technologies such as smart ration cards, electronic weighing machines, GPS tracking, and live monitoring will be established in Maharashtra.
“The existing system in Gujarat will also be reviewed for insights,” he added.
Pawar also assured that outstanding issues related to the rationing system would be swiftly addressed.
He instructed officials to guarantee timely and structured food grain distribution to every ration cardholder in villages and to take action against negligent officers.
Moreover, Pawar revealed a significant decision to reorganize rationing offices in Mumbai and Thane, ensuring a minimum of one office per assembly constituency.
“The last reorganization occurred in 1980. Following this new restructuring, one zonal office and five additional rationing offices will be established in Mumbai and Thane, expected to bolster the civil supply framework in the area,” stated the Deputy Chief Minister.
