Kathmandu. KATHMANDU: The ‘Fair Price Shop 2082’ operated by Food Management and Trading Company Limited under the Bagmati Provincial Office at Thapathali in Kathmandu has become popular among consumers targeting the Dashain, Tihar, Nepal Sambat and Chhath festivals. 
Amid price hikes and uncertain market conditions, consumers have felt relieved this year.

Purpose of providing relief to consumers

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Chief of Bagmati Province Province Office, Dharma Kumari Rajbanshi, said the main objective of the fair price shop is to provide food items to the consumers at easy price during the festivals. 
”During the festive season, some traders increase the prices unnaturally. Our aim is to bring relief to the general consumer by balancing it,” Rajvasi said.

According to him, 53 items are being distributed through fair price shops this year. A discount of Rs 5 per kg has been given on rice, Rs 7 on oil, Rs 10 on spices and Rs 10 on historic crops.

Consumer confidence is increasing

According to Rajbanshi, the attraction of customers to the fair price shops has increased as the market, which attracts customers like Bhatbhateni, has not come into full operation this year. 
 “Consumers have more trust here than in the big markets. The crowd is also increasing every day,” she said. The company has so far stored more than 33,000 metric tons of food grains and there is no major shortage, she said.

Online Feature

Arrangements have also been made to purchase goods through online portal and mobile app to make the fair price shop more effective. 
”Free home delivery is provided for purchase of goods worth more than Rs 5,000. There is no difference in quality,” Rajbanshi said.

Currently, shops are operating in Thapathali, Ramshah Path, Nakkhu and Dakshinkali. She said that there is a plan to expand her shop in Changunarayan and Rasuwa until Tihar.

User Experience

Turang Bahadur Shakya, who came to the fair price shop to shop, said that he got daily necessities easily. 
”From lentils, legumes, rice, biscuits to ghee and tea, there are many options. In the market, lentils cost Rs 170 while here it is only 163. There’s a lot of difference,” he said. 
According to him, such shops should be operated throughout the year as they provide relief in daily expenses.

Kalpana Thapa, a consumer, said that the rice in the area is not only cheap but also delicious. 
”It’s very easy to shop here. The crowd is well-organized and there are plenty of product options. “If we have this facility throughout the year, it will be easier for us poor,” she said.

During the festive season, ordinary consumers are always under the pressure of inflation. However, this year, the fair price shop seems to have been able to provide relief by balancing the price. 
The expansion of the officer’s plan, online facilities and quality-friendly distribution have increased consumer confidence. 
As expressed by the consumers, this initiative will be more effective if it is run continuously throughout the year, not just during the festivals.

Image: Mamun Casey