Found substance in villagers’ complaints against Dalit resident’s fair price shop, no discrimination, says govt

It added, “Following a thorough investigation about the shopkeeper’s behaviour, conducted by the mamlatdar of Saraswati, these grievances were found to be well-founded. Consequently, disheartened by the shopkeeper’s actions, ration card-holders began sourcing essential commodities from neighbouring shops, availing their entitlement under the ‘One Nation One Ration’ scheme.”

The statement further said, “During a comprehensive inspection of the Kanosan village shop, disparities and discrepancies in stock levels were found, resulting in forfeiting materials amounting to Rs 51,397… In an endeavor to address the concerns of ration card-holders arising from the shopkeeper’s conduct, the ration cards assigned to Kanosan village were subsequently transferred to the nearby Edla village.”

Refuting any discrimination against the Dalit shopkeeper, the statement added, “It is imperative to underline that this action was undertaken not as a result of any form of discrimination but rather in response to the multiple complaints lodged against the shopkeeper. The decision to transfer NFSA cardholders attached to the fair price shop to Edla village was aimed at ensuring they receive their entitlements in a timely manner with sufficient quantity, as well as addressing the deficiencies found during the inspection. This course of action was endorsed following input received during the Taluka Supply Advisory Committee meeting.”