KATHMANDU: In preparation for the upcoming festival season, the government has unveiled plans to launch a network of fair-price shops, set to operate from October 8th to November 19th.
Gajendra Kumar Thakur, the spokesperson for the Ministry of Industry and Supplies, disclosed that the decision to establish these outlets is aimed at safeguarding consumer interests during the festive period. The fair-price shops are expected to curb unwarranted price hikes, maintain product quality, and ensure a smooth supply of food items at reasonable rates throughout the festivals.
Each year, the government introduces fair-price shops to counteract private sector monopolies in the market during festival times.
The Food Management and Trade Company Limited (FMTCL), the Salt Trading Corporation under the Ministry of Industry, Commerce, and Supplies, and the Dairy Development Corporation under the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development will collaborate in running these shops.
Shoppers can expect to find various essentials, including rice, pulses, wheat flour, edible oil, and beaten rice, at prices lower than those prevailing in the regular market.
Furthermore, discounts of Rs 10 per kg are being offered on beans and other grains produced in the Karnali region, as well as on live goats and mountain goats. The government has allocated Rs 23.22 million to the Food Management and Trade Company to support the operation of fair-price shops this year.
Additionally, Rs 10 million has been earmarked to provide discounts on food items sold through the Salt Trading Corporation. Notable offerings include sugar at Rs 97 per kg, a Rs 2 discount on per kg salt, and a Rs 7 reduction on per kg beaten rice.
The Dairy Development Corporation will provide a Rs 20 discount on ghee per kg and Rs 20 on per 200 grams of paneer, along with Rs 50 off per 500 grams of paneer.
These fair-price shops will be stationed at 35 locations, including eight selling centers and three mobile shops operated by the Food Management and Trade Company and the Salt Trading Corporation within the Kathmandu Valley.
Moreover, the FMTCL will establish fair-price shops in various regions, such as Morang, Jhapa, Taplejung, Sankhuwasabha, Solukhumbu, Diktel, Bhojpur, Okhaldhunga, Khotang, Siraha, Janakpur, Parsa, Kathmandu, Lalitpur, Bhaktapur, Kaski, Tanahun, Gorkha, Manang, Mustang, Rupandehi, Banke, Dang, Bardiya, Rukum East, and Rukum West.
The FMTCL will also maintain concessional stocks in 48 locations across 42 districts, including Rolpa, Surkhet, Gulmi, Dailekh, Dolpa, Kalikot, Humla, Jajarkot, Jumla, Mugu, Kailali, Dadeldhura, Bajura, Bajhang, Achham, Darchula, and Mahendranagar. The Ministry has emphasized that additional fair-price shops may be set up as needed in other districts and places.
Customers can access the fixed discounts through various channels, including free online home delivery, mobile services, cooperatives, and dealers. A monitoring committee has been established to ensure the effectiveness of these fair-price shops.
To reinforce market monitoring during the festival period, the Ministry will intensify market inspections. In the Kathmandu Valley, the Ministry will form inspection teams to oversee fair-price shops throughout their operation. The concerned corporations will also carry out similar monitoring efforts.
In districts, monitoring teams will be established under the leadership of Chief District Officers or Assistant Chief District Officers to conduct comprehensive oversight, as outlined by the Ministry.
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