22 Nov 2020  |   05:47am IST

FPS operator forces Marcaim ration cardholders to buy ‘spoiled’ onions

Team Herald

PONDA: In a sheer display of arrogance, a fair price shop (FPS) operator in Marcaim Constituency on Saturday forced the ration cardholders to purchase “spoiled” onions after a warning that he would not provide them with ration. 

The ration cardholders visited the FPS to buy onions but when they saw that the onions were “spoiled”, they refused to buy. They told the FPS operator that they would buy only rice and other items. To this, the operator got furious and refused to give ration.  

The arrogant FPS operator even told the ration cardholders to complain to the Department of Civil Supplies. Later, the operator told them (cardholders) to buy at least one kg onions only then he would give them rice on ration. 

Sources informed that the FPS operators earn a profit margin of Rs 3 per kg from Department of Civil Supplies. The onions are sold at Rs 35 per kg at the fair price shops. 

It may be recalled that the Civil Supplies officials including the minister had assured the ration cardholders to replace the “spoiled” onions if the matter was brought to their notice. 

However, left with no other option, the locals were forced to buy the “spoiled” onions as they needed rice. However, they preferred not to complain to the Department of Civil Supplies to avoid facing any further hardship at the fair price shops.