Medicines to cost less at government stores in HP

SHIMLA: Medicines in state civil supplies corporation-run shops will cost cheaper as the corporation has decided to hike the discount from 7.5% to 10.15%.

The decision was taken in a board meeting of Himachal Pradesh C iv i l Supplies Corporation. Addressing the media, civil supplies minister GS Bali said the decision to increase the discount on medicines in government-run shops would be implemented within three days.

“Notice board will be displayed outside the shops owned by the corporation to make people aware people about the discount,” he said. The corporation has 36 medicines shops in the state.

Bali also said the civil supplies corporation has decided to enhance its storage capacity for which godowns with a storage capacity of 50 tonnes to 1,500 would be hired on rent. In a bid to keep track on vehicles carrying ration, the corporation has decided to install vehicle tracking system in 25 vehicles. “Through this system, we will be able to track the movement of vehicles involved in transportation of ration,” Bali added.

Meanwhile, the Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) has decided to open fair price canteens under the Him Rasoi scheme. The decision was taken at the board meeting of the corporation.

Bali, who is also the state transport minister, said it was a private-public partnership (PPP) mode project in which canteens would be opened at some stations identified by the HRTC and food in such canteens would be given at nominal rates. “Quality control will remain in the hands of the HRTC while other things will be taken care of by the private partner,” he said. “Our purpose is not to earn profit but to provide quality food at reasonable rates. The HRTC will provide space to the private player to run such canteens under Him Rasoi scheme,” he added.

BUS FARE TO REMAIN UNCHANGED

At a time when the state is planning to increase VAT on diesel and petrol, Bali said the HRTC would not increase the bus fare at least for six months. He said the HRTC would replace old buses. “New buses are off the road due to shortage of drivers, so we have decided to replace the old buses to provide comfortable journey to passengers,” he added.

Our purpose is not to earn profit but to provide quality food at reasonable rates. The HRTC will provide space to the private player to run such canteens under Him Rasoi scheme.

GS BALI, civil supplies minister