The government will introduce identity card for selling food grains under the Open Market Sale (OMS), a government subsidised food selling programme, run by the Department of Food. Food Minister Sadhan Chandra Majumder on Thursday says as government notices some lacking in the management of the ongoing OMS programme, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has ordered the authorities concerned to improve the management system and distribute the goods through cards ahead of the holy month of Ramadan.
We are also noticing that a large number of people are repeatedly taking OMS rice and later selling it outside, while many are not getting the food grain and other essentials. When the abnormal rise in prices of essential commodities has intensified miseries to the low- and fixed-income people across the country, distribution through cards, will give comfort to the deprived group. After introducing the card, a particular person will be allowed to buy OMS rice once in a week. Both poor and middle income groups are bearing the brunt of price hike as they are struggling with the previously skyrocketing prices already. The soaring prices of essentials like rice, pulse, onion and vegetable, are forcing many to rush to OMS trucks of TCB to buy their commodities at lower prices. Poor people especially the day-labourers, rickshaw-pullers, drivers or housemaids used to come to buy daily essentials at low prices earlier.
The authorities concerned should take
stern action against those
involved in selling OMS
rice and other essential in the black market
The prices of daily essential commodities including rice, edible oil, chicken, onion, egg, meat, fish, and vegetables went up in the kitchen markets. Besides, most of the vegetables are selling at higher prices although supply is available in the country’s kitchen markets.
The authorities concerned should take stern action against those involved in selling OMS rice and other essential in the black market. The ministries concerned must issue a warning, asking their officials concerned that stern legal action will be taken if they are found involved in irregularities while distributing OMS rice. If licenses of the unscrupulous dealers are revoked and they are blacklisted, irregularities and mismanagement will be removed.
