The Gazetteers Department

The history of Controls and State Trading dates back to 1942. Consequent upon the general shortage of consumers goods caused by World War II the Government of India adopted a policy of rationing of consumers goods and as such rice, wheat, jowar, bajri, sugar, kerosene, cloth, etc., were distributed through ration shops. Trade in these goods in the open market and their movement were controlled and prohibited. There was 'monopoly procurement of rice' in Kolaba, and this was followed by 'Compulsory Levy System' during World War II (1939-1945) and the following two years. This state of affairs continued in its original rigorous form till the first decontrol in 1948. The reasons generally advocated for the continuation of controls were that (ij rationing helps to maintain prices at a level which is fair both to the producer and consumer; (ii) it reduces hoarding by the middleman; and (iii) it reduces the hardships of the poor and keeps the deficit areas supplied with foodgrains.

The situation of supplies of consumers goods improved to some extent after 1950. This prompted the Government to relax the extent of controls since 1950 which finally resulted in the complete decontrol in 1954. On account of the adverse food situation since 1956, limited controls in the shape of creating zones for rice and wheat, sale through fair price shops and restrictions on the movement of foodgrains have been reimposed in this State.

The Government of India declared the policy of State Trading in foodgrains in November 1958 which was made effective from April, 1959. However, the activities of the State Trading Corporation did not cover this district.

Fair Price Shops.

With a view to distributing foodgrains at reasonable prices and reducing the burden of rising prices on the lower and middle classes the State Government have introduced this scheme in the entire State. By September, 1960, there were 156 fair-price shops in Kolaba district, out of which 45 were operated by co-operative societies, 45 by village panchayats and 66 by private traders.

Rice, wheat and sugar are distributed by the fair price shops. Rice is being distributed at the monthly rate of three seers for an adult, and one and a half seer for a child. Prices of these commodities vary according to quality.

Co-operative societies and village panchayats are given preference over private traders for opening shops. Government regulations require the fair price shop dealer to maintain (i) stock register, (ii) visit book, (iii) complaint book, and (iv) daily sale registers. They are also required to execute an agreement and to deposit with the Government a sum of Rs. 150. The issue of cash memo in respect of each sale is made compulsory. The accounts are subject to inspection by the Supply Inspectors and the District Supply Officer. The fair price shop dealers are required to disburse the foodgrains and sugar according to the quantum fixed by Government regulations.

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