STC, FMTCL to open fair-price shops from Sep 15

KATHMANDU: The government has announced that fair-price shops will open from September 15 to benefit consumers ahead of the upcoming festivals.

According to the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies (MoICS) decision on August 24, the Food Management and Trading Company (FMTCL) and the Salt Trading Corporation (STC) will operate the subsidised-price outlets.

The MoICS said the shops will be set up during the festive period to supply essential food and consumable items at concessional rates in the interests of the general consumer.

Shivram Pokhrel, Head of the Supply Management and Consumer Interest Protection Division at the MoICS, said a circular has been issued to both FMTCL and STC to proceed with the scheme.

FMTCL will offer a discount of Rs 5 per kilogramme on rice, lentils, wheat, sugar and other goods at its fair-price shops, which will operate in 46 districts.

STC will run discount stores at 15 locations in Kathmandu Valley, including three mobile shops. Outside the valley, it will operate further outlets in various districts.

By RSS

STC’s discounts include Rs 2 per kg on salt, Rs 5 per kg on sugar, Rs 7 per litre on oil, and Rs 7 per kg on beaten rice, pulses, flour and maize.