EWMs made compulsory at fair price shops in Hassan

Zilla panchayat president B D Chandregowda issued orders stating the electronic weighing machines (EWM) should be installed in all fair price shops within a month.

He issued the orders at a review meeting at zilla panchayat auditorium here on Tuesday.

“Using electronic weighing machines has been made compulsory in private shops. But, if it isn’t implemented in government fair price shops, wouldn’t it be unfair?” he questioned.

He asked officials of the food and civil supplies department to issue a progress report at the end of the month.

When food and civil supplies department deputy director Shivanna said that shopkeepers should be given more time as the electronic weighing machines cost around Rs 40,000, member Sathyanarayana expressed surprise and said, “How many weighing machines do you need? It costs only between Rs 4,000 and Rs 5,000.”

Sathyanarayana expressed his displeasure at the food and civil supplies department failing to provide sugar to the rural population. He asked the deputy director to take measures against food inspectors, who were not visiting the taluks.

Target

President  Chandregowda said co-operative department has achieved only 59 per cent of its target. Loans given could have been increased if they were provided at the right time.

Taking to task officials of the tourism department, Chandregowda said even though we had asked for details during the last meeting, they are yet to provide information.

“What is the progress made in construction of tourist home at Belur? What plans have been made on the land purchased at a cost Rs nine crore?” he questioned.

An official informed that 99 per cent of the work on tourist home had been completed and inauguration would be held on October 15. He said an overall progress report would be submitted to the ZP president at the earliest.

Chief executive officer (CEO) Anjan Kumar said the social welfare department had been giving old modelled sewing machines to beneficiaries. Instead, even if the number was reduced by a few modern sewing machines should be given under various schemes, he added.

President Chandregowda slammed the social welfare department for failing to achieve any progress even though 50 per cent of the grants had already been released.

He asked them to take action against hostel wardens, who were flouting the rules. “If you are unable to take any action, then inform the ZP CEO,” he added.

ZP vice president Parvathamma Nanjundachar, ZP member M K Dhyavayya and others were present.