Consumers allege malpractice despite electronic transactions at fair price shops in West Tambaram

However, the ground reality seems to be contradicting the goal as consumers in West Tambaram allege malpractice in the distribution of essential goods despite making all transactions electronic to bring transparency into the system.

While a green card holder is eligible for 4 kg of free rice for each member of the family and to receive it in any number of instalments as the card holder chooses, several fair price shops give only up to 15 kg of rice even if the number of family members exceeds four.

“They are supposed to give me 10 kg of raw rice and 10 kg of parboiled rice. But I get only 15 kg of rice and 5 kg of wheat at Rs 7.50 a kg. I do not understand what transpires at fair price shops. My friend who lives in MGR Nagar said he gets 15 kg of rice and only 3 kg of wheat,” said Sekar, whose PDS card is attached to the fair price shop in West Tambaram.

Another card holder, on the condition of anonymity, said they are forced to buy other goods which are not necessary for him.

“I need one kg toor dal for Rs 30, one kg urad dal for Rs 30 and one litre of palm olein for Rs 25. But I’m asked to by other goods such as soaps, tea dust and groundnuts, too. Sometimes the staff at the counter ask the consumers to buy those items or threaten to not supply the regular items. They tell us that they have been given targets as the excess stock from Amudham departmental stores are rerouted to fair price shops,” said the consumer.

When contacted, Chandrabose, Tambaram Area Manager of TNPDS, said that there were no instructions to force consumers to buy anything.

“Staff can sell items only if customers wish to buy. Also, if card holders do not get the quantity of rice they are eligible for due to shortage of stock, they can come back anytime to claim what is theirs,” he said.

The officer also said that he would look into the allegations raised by consumers in West Tambaram.