STATE TIMES NEWS
JAMMU: Justice B.S. Walia saturday stay the decision of the state govt to open New Fair Price Shops till next date of hearing.
As per the Cabinet decision vide no. 127/11/2014 dated: 16/2014 7697 Departmental sale outlets were to be opened in Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution (CAPD) sector in place of the existing Fair Price Shops wherein it was also decided that in the new departmental outlets the preference for job shall be reserved for those who are already working in the existing fair price shops.
However, concerned ministry officials issued new licenses of Fair Price Shops across the state thus violating the existing Cabinet decision. In this connection one Talib Hussain of Kotranka, Rajouri filed a case before the court against the concerned dealing authorities. Appearing from the side of petitioner Adv. Ahsan Mirza apprised the Court that the decision of removal of existing fair price shops and opening of departmental outlets were taken in 2014 by the then Cabinet wherein according to that decision no new license shall be issued for fair price shops and within phases all the fair price shops shall be converted into departmental outlets with an internal arrangement of the existing workers therein. The issuance of new fair price shops is thus an clear cut violation of the existing Cabinet decision and until the decision is withdrwan the officials or any authority has no right to issue new license in this regard. Adv. Mirza also pointed out that with this new openings of fair price shops and new recruitment therein results in discriminatory approach towards those who are working since long in the already existing fair price shops. This will further create chaos when as per order the internal adjustments shall take place. Justice B.S. Walia after hearing the Adv Mirza appearing for the petitioner has issued stay order for the opening of New Fair Price Shops till next date of hearing.
