PANJIM: The State government has refuted allegations that there is a shortage of essential goods and has asked co-operative stores, retail stores and suppliers to approach the authorities to overcome transport and labour issues for smooth supply of groceries.
Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Director Siddhivinayak Naik has asked operators of grocery stores to contact the Directorate of Transport and Commissioner of Labour to avail transport facilities and manpower respectively.
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“This Department is in receipt of complaints from the co-operative stores, retail stores and suppliers that they are facing problems in getting transportation and labour, due to which they are unable to maintain their stock and smooth supply chain, and not able to make arrangement of stock of essential commodities to cater to the requirements of the general public,” a press release stated.
“Now to overcome the issue the government has decided to facilitate them in providing transport and labour as per prevailing market rates to the co-operative stores, retail stores and suppliers to bring their stock of essential commodities. Those co-operative stores, retail stores, wholesalers and stockists who are in need of transport may contact the Directorate of Transport (Mob No. 9823256280) and those who require labour may contact the Commissioner of Labour (Mob No. 9822175719). The same shall be facilitated on payment basis.”
The department has also warned grocery shops, complaining of shortage of goods despite entry of goods-laden trucks, of legal action. Naik said, “Further, it has been noted that trucks of essential commodities are entering the State, however, grocery shops are complaining of non-availability of essential items. In case the situation persists, action shall be taken under PBMMSEC Act 1980 and Essential Commodities Act 1955, and their trucks shall be impounded at check post for hoarding essential commodities.”
