Desai said in a statement that consumers had to return empty-handed from the ration shops as there was no stock of grain, oil or kerosene.

``What is the purpose of opening fair price shops, if nothing is available,'' he asked.

Desai alleged that the Rs 2 a kg scheme for wheat, which the government had kicked off on February 1 with much fanfare, was not being followed by the district administration. Desai pointed out that the benefits of the scheme did not reach the economically backward, for whom it was actually meant.

He claimed that office-bearers of the Pardi Kisan Panchayat had gone with some poor people to ration shops and found that the shop owners refused to give wheat, rice, sugar, oil and kerosene. He said when the members enquired as to why there were no stocks, the shopkeepers had stated that the dealers did not supply the grains to the shops, as they were sub standard and people refused to buy them.

Desai, along with others, also met District Collector R M Shah and Civil Supplies Officer K D Chandnani over their grievances. Desai claimed that both the officials has assured the delegation that the problem would be looked into with priority. Shah is also reported to have assured that those with an annual income less than Rs 11,000 would be provided with wheat at Rs 2 a kg, jowar at Rs 2.50 a kg, rice at Rs 3 a kg, whereas other card-holders would get wheat at Rs 5.20 a kg.