Archive · 26 Aug 2026
Federation Proposes Multi-Service Ration Shops Across West Bengal
A group representing ration-shop owners has suggested giving ration shops more jobs.
They want these shops to sell medicines, cooking-gas cylinders and other daily goods.
They also want extra rice and wheat to be sold at lower prices.
The group says this could help people in places far from cities.
It says recent floods and rising prices have made life harder for many people.
The proposal was sent to West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari.
The federation says ration dealers can use their wide network to provide more public services.
It has asked the government to hold a meeting soon to discuss the plan.
The All India Fair Price Shop Dealers' Federation proposed converting West Bengal ration shops into multi-service centres.
The proposal includes selling medicines, five-kilogram non-subsidised gas cylinders and other daily necessities.
The federation said additional rice and wheat under the central government's tide-over allocation could be sold at lower prices.
It also proposed opening Pradhan Mantri Janaposhan Kendra and Pradhan Mantri Jan Aushadhi Kendra facilities at ration shops.
The federation cited recent floods and rising prices, and sought an immediate high-level meeting led by Food Minister Ashok Kirtania.
- Who
- The All India Fair Price Shop Dealers' Federation and its national general secretary, Biswambhar Basu, made the proposal to West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari.
- What
- The federation proposed transforming public distribution system shops into multi-service centres selling food, medicines, gas cylinders and other essential goods.
- When
- The proposal was made amid a recent flood situation and rapid price rises; no specific date was provided.
- Where
- West Bengal, including remote areas reached by the state's ration-shop network.
- Why
- The federation said the plan could help control prices and provide essential goods and services affordably.
- Proposing organisation
- All India Fair Price Shop Dealers' Federation
- Proposal
- Convert PDS ration shops into multi-service centres
- Suggested products
- Medicines, non-subsidised five-kilogram gas cylinders and daily necessities
- Food allocation
- Additional rice and wheat under the central government's tide-over allocation
- Other proposed facilities
- Pradhan Mantri Janaposhan Kendra and Pradhan Mantri Jan Aushadhi Kendra
- Requested next step
- An immediate high-level meeting led by West Bengal Food Minister Ashok Kirtania
- Cited pressures
- Recent floods and rising prices of essential commodities