403 PDS licences cancelled in Haryana

Chandigarh, May 12 (UNI) The Haryana Food and Supplies Department cancelled licences of 402 fair price shops and arrested 45 dealers for irregularities in the public distribution system (PDS) during fiscal 2005-06.

The security of 2026 dealers amounting to over Rs 14.81 lakh was also forfeited during regular surprise checking conducted by the department, an official spokesman said.

While 45 defaulting dealers had been arrested, cases had been registered against 59 dealers.

These steps had been taken to ensure proper supply of essential commodities to the consumers, he added.

He said goods worth about Rs 2.82 lakh had also been seized during the same period.

As many as 9242 fair price shops were functioning in the state for supplying essential commodities to the people. Of these, 6572 were situated in rural areas and 2670 in urban areas.

UNI MA VD KN1932