The government’s initiative to establish utility stores for the provision of essential food items at subsidized rates has come under inspection as prices at these stores now exceed those in the open market.
Official documents have disclosed a concerning trend: essential food items available at utility stores are considerably more expensive than their counterparts in the open market.
This raises questions about the effectiveness of government subsidies and their impact on the cost of living for everyday citizens.
For instance, a 20-kg bag of flour, a staple in most households, costs consumers an extra 134 rupees when purchased from utility stores compared to the market.
In the open market, this bag of flour is priced at Rs 2,706.32, but utility store customers are paying Rs 2,840, signaling a noticeable difference.
The price gap extends to other essential items as well. For example, when it comes to Dal Channa, sugar, Safaid Chana, and Sella rice, the prices at utility stores are notably higher than those in the general market. Consumers are paying Rs 48 per kilogram more for Dal Channa, Rs 12 more for sugar, Rs 21 more for Safaid Chana, and a significant Rs 51 more for Sella rice.
This wide price difference has raised concerns among citizens and has led to questions about the efficacy of the government’s subsidy programs. While utility stores were initially established to provide essential food items at more affordable rates, it appears that these stores are no longer fulfilling their intended purpose, leaving many to wonder about the allocation of subsidies and their impact on everyday consumers.
As the price gap continues to grow, it is essential for the government to address the issue promptly. The effectiveness of subsidy programs needs to be evaluated, and measures should be taken to ensure that utility stores genuinely provide essential food items at rates that are affordable and competitive with the open market.
This will not only help citizens manage their living expenses but also uphold the government’s commitment to providing essential items at subsidized rates.
