Thaindian News

Ranchi, Aug 20 (IANS) Faced with a drought-like situation in all 24 districts of the state, the Jharkhand government has opened around 150 outlets to sell essential food items at fair price, an official said Thursday.
The outlets known as Suvidha Stores is a joint venture of the Jharkhand State Agricultural Marketing Board (JSAMB) and the Federation of Jharkhand Chamber of Commerce and Industries (FJCCI).

The first outlet was inaugurated by Governor K. Sankaranarayanan Wednesday in Ranchi and around 150 such outlets have been opened in districts.

Each outlet has 10 items on sale. Medium quality of rice at Rs.16 and Rs.17 per kg, three forms of pulses - chana dal (Rs.32 per kg), arhar dal (Rs.75 per kg) and masoor dal (Rs.58 per kg) - two varieties of mustard at Rs.60 per kg and Rs.64 per kg, refined oil Rs.54 per kg, and potato and onions at Rs 12.50 and Rs.11 per kg respectively.

Each outlet will have one member each from the JSAMB and the FJCCI to supervise its work.

“Here we can be confident that weight and prices are fair. I have purchased four kg mustard oil. These outlets should have sugar in the list also,” said Meghna, a housewife.

The Jharkhand government has declared all the 24 districts in the state as drought affected.

The prices of food grain were soaring due to the lack of rainfall. The state faces shortage of more than 2 million tonnes of food grain.

The Jharkhand governor has also directed officials to streamline the distribution of food grain at fair price shops. There were also reports of villagers at many places looting food grain meant for the distribution.