MARGAO: Claiming that the reimbursement under Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY) has been continuously delayed and the last instalment of about Rs 1 crore is outstanding, the All Goa Consumer Co-Operative Society and Fair Price Shop Owners Association (AGCCSFPSWA) has decided against collecting the quota of food grains for November.
Gandhi Henriques, General Secretary of Fair Price Owners Association, has written a letter in this regard to the Department of Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs.
In the letter, the Association has claimed that fair price shop owners are suffering for a long time as their business has become non-viable.
“The government too is aware of the situation and has formed a government constituted committee under the chairmanship of the Chief Secretary to consider ways and means to assist the fair price shops under the Public Distribution System (PDS) of Goa,” Henrique said.
He added that the situation has become very difficult as the reimbursement of food grains under a scheme named after the PM has been continuously delayed,” Henriques said.
Henrique informed that the last instalment of about Rs 1 crore to be disbursed to all fair price shops in Goa, is outstanding. Add to this the non-payment of the Priority Households (PHH) dues for August, September and October 2023.
“This situation has caused a lot of frustration and disillusionment and compelled all fair price shops and the Society members to decide against collecting the quota of allotment of food grains for November. We know that this is not fair as about 5 lakh consumers will suffer, but we are left with no alternative,” he said.
