Shimla opens doors for 10 new fair price shops

The Shimla district administration on Thursday announced the opening and allotment of 10 new fair price shops under the Public Distribution System (PDS). Applications have been invited till September 12.

Narender Kumar Dhiman, District Controller, Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs, said the new fair price shops will be set up in Manghara, Umari Parandli, Ramnagari, Devgarh, Baghi, Mandhol, Pulbahal and Jakhu Batari villages, among other locations in the district. “Interested persons or organisations can apply online through the website emerginghimachal.hp.gov.in, as applications through any other medium will not be accepted,” he stated.

He added that the minimum educational qualification for applicants is matriculation, while the age limit for individuals has been fixed between 18 and 45 years. Along with the application form, candidates must upload matriculation and other educational certificates (if available), proof of financial status and relevant certificates related to categories such as ex-servicemen, disability, unemployment or widowhood. Proof of belonging to BPL, SC, OBC or ST categories must also be provided. Applicants from the proposed location of the shop are required to submit a Panchayat certificate duly verified by an authorised officer.

Applicants must also provide details of shop availability and storage capacity, along with an affidavit declaring that neither they nor their family members hold any elected office such as MLA, MP or membership of local bodies.

Dhiman further clarified that incomplete applications without the necessary documents will be rejected. He appealed to interested applicants to contact the office of the District Controller at 0177-2657022 in case of any queries.