Kathmandu. The National Consumer Forum has expressed serious objection to the government’s preparations to introduce the private sector in the supply system of iodised salt. Stating that efforts were being made to break the system of supplying salt in an easy, accessible, cheap and quality manner in government regulation for years, the forum said that the decision was anti-consumer.
In a meeting of the Industry, Commerce and Labour and Consumer Welfare Committee, Chairman of the National Consumer Forum Prem Lal Maharjan expressed serious objection to the attempt to privatize the supply and distribution of iodised salt, which has a direct link with the health of the Nepali people.
Regarding the ‘Easy, Easy Supply and Distribution of Quality Salt containing Iodized In Nepal’, Chairman Maharjan clarified that the provision of supply of salt in an easy, accessible, cheap and quality manner under the government regulation so far is very beneficial.
“The supply of essential commodities like salt has been done in a controlled manner. But some traders and middlemen are pressuring the private sector to enter in the name of open market and competition. This poses a direct impact on public health. ’
Stating that the state has been providing quality iodised salt to the people at affordable prices through Salt Trading Corporation Limited, Chairman Maharjan opined that there should be no privatisation in the salt business.
“Some traders and middlemen are trying to divert towards privatisation through misleading propaganda, why has the system not required for 27 years been changed now?” he asked. He feared that commercialisation and black money could be behind this action.
Chief Executive Officer of Salt Trading Corporation, Urmila Shrestha, said that the attention was drawn towards the media reports that preparations were being made to provide the supply of iodised salt to the private sector.
He said, “The corporation had supplied salt easily even during the crisis including earthquake and Tarai bandh. In line with the current policy of the Government of Nepal, we request the concerned ministries to continue the supply of iodised salt through the corporation in order to maintain the supply system and achievements of iodised salt, which directly affects the health of the common consumers across the state. ’
Secretary at the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies, Dr Ram Prasad Ghimire, said that the supply of salt was being arranged through the corporation. He said, “If the private sector is addressed by changing this system, then there will be problems such as lack of uniformity in prices, easy and easy supply.” The meeting was postponed after the committee members expressed dissatisfaction over the absence of Minister for Industry, Commerce and Supplies Damodar Bhandari.
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