How do I get a fair price shop licence in Guwahati under the state public distribution system?

Detailed Legal Analysis

To obtain a fair price shop license in Guwahati under the state Public Distribution System (PDS), you must follow a structured process governed by the Assam Public Distribution System (Control) Order, 2018, along with relevant guidelines from the Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Department of Assam.

Here are the steps and requirements to acquire a fair price shop license:

• Eligibility Criteria:
  • The applicant must be a resident of the area where the fair price shop is proposed.
  • The applicant should be at least 18 years of age.
  • Experience in retail trade is preferred but not mandatory.
  • No criminal record should be associated with the applicant.
• Application Process:
  • Visit the office of the District Supply Officer (DSO) or the Food and Civil Supplies Department in Guwahati.
  • Obtain the application form for the fair price shop license.
  • Fill out the form with requisite details, including personal information, proposed shop location, and other relevant data.
  • Attach the necessary documents, including:
    • Proof of identity (Aadhar card, voter ID, etc.)
    • Proof of residence (electricity bill, rent agreement, etc.)
    • Bank account details
    • Passport-sized photographs
• Submission:
  • Submit the completed application form along with all required documents to the DSO.
  • Pay the necessary fees as prescribed by the department.
• Verification:
  • The DSO will conduct a verification process to ensure the authenticity of the application and documents.
  • Site inspection may be carried out to assess the proposed location of the shop.
• Approval and Issuance:
  • If the application is found satisfactory, the fair price shop license will be issued.
  • The license will specify the terms and conditions under which the shop must operate.

It is essential to comply with the norms set by the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, as well as the Assam PDS Control Order, 2018, to maintain the license and ensure smooth functioning of the fair price shop.