Dharamsala, July 9
Sugar has not been available in Public Distribution Supply (PDS) shops in the state for the past one month. Though the state government has cleared a tender, no order has been given for procuring sugar, depriving residents of the cheap sugar they have been getting for another month.

All residents are entitled to get about 600 gram sugar per head from PDS shops in Himachal. The sugar was being provided in the PDS shops at Rs 13.50 per kg. However, the sudden decision of the Centre to finish levy sugar left the state government in a tizzy. It has no option than to buy sugar from the open market.

The Department of Food and Civil Supplies immediately swung into action and floated tenders for the procurement of sugar from the market. Sources said only one supplier fulfilled the strict conditions laid down by the state government.

However, the single tender got stuck in red tape. The rules say either the government has to take the Cabinet clearance for accepting the single tender or has to go through the entire process again. If the process of re-tendering is carried out, it will delay the process of procurement.

The sources told The Tribune that the Cabinet had given its clearance for procuring sugar through the single tender.

However, despite the Cabinet clearance, the department had not started the process of procuring sugar for its PDS shops.

The people, who are the beneficiaries, are feeling the heat. The poor in rural areas are protesting against the unavailability of cheap sugar.

BJP leaders have targeted the state government and Food and Civil Supplies Minister GS Bali. Rakesh Sharma, BJP spokesperson, said the Congress had failed to provide rationed sugar to the poor in the state. It should explain as to why Bali was not being able to deliver.

Bali refused to comment on the delay in providing sugar at PDS shops. He said every effort was being made to expedite the process.