Kathmandu. The shops will be opened at a subsidized price from September 15 targeting the upcoming festivals. As per the decision of the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies on August 15, fair price shops will be operated through Food Management and Trade Company Limited and Salt Trading Corporation.

According to the Ministry, such shops are being brought into operation during the festival period to provide essential food and consumables at subsidized prices keeping in mind the interest of the common consumers. Shivaram Pokharel, chief of the Ministry’s Supply Management and Consumer Interest Protection Division, said that a circular has already been issued to the Food Management Company and Salt Trading to operate the shop at a subsidized price.

There will be a discount of Rs 5 per kg on all types of rice and pulses, wheat, sugar and beans in the subsidized price shops operated by the Food Management Company. Similarly, a discount of Rs 7 per kg will be available on ragi, flour, flour and flour. A discount of Rs 7 per litre will also be given on edible oil. There will be a discount of Rs 10 per kg on the indigenous products of Karnali including Jumli Marsi rice, kaguno, chino, beans, lice and titefapar. A discount of Rs 10 per kg will be available on the price of cumin seeds, coriander, tea leaves and live goats and prawns. The Food Management Company will operate shops at subsidized prices in 46 different districts.

Salt Trading Corporation will operate discounted price shops at 15 places including three mobile shops in Kathmandu Valley. Salt Trading will provide subsidized facilities in various districts except the Valley. Salt Trading will offer a discount of Rs 2 per kg on salt, Rs 5 per kg on sugar, Rs 7 per litre on oil and Rs 7 per kg on ragi, pulses, flour and flour.

The government aims to make such shops available in a simple, easy and accessible manner by controlling the market price and maintaining quality. The government has been operating shops every year to prevent the private sector from monopolising the consumer market during the festive season.