MIRPURKHAS, March 8: The outlets of Utility Stores Corporation have failed in providing items of daily commodities to people on subsidised rate amid reports of selling to big general stores.

Information gathered by Dawn revealed long queues, including of women, were seen outside the Utility Stores in Lalchandabad, Hirabad, Station Road, Rahim Nagar, and Sir Syed Road, but they failed to get commodities on being told by the outlets that the goods had finished.

Speaking to Dawn consumers Akbar Khan, Anwar Shah, Mohammad Aslam, Mohammad Asif, Ms Nazeeran and Khursheed Begum alleged that the staff of Utility Stores selling ghee, oil, sugar, and rice to big general stores secretly and only a marginal quantity of commodities was being provided to people on subsidised rates.

They said people including women kept waiting outside the Utility Stores for three to four hours a day only to return home empty- handed.

They accused the staff of Utility Stores of storing cartons of commodities in their homes and godowns for selling them to their favourites.

They alleged the officials of Utility Stores Corporation of illegally selling ghee, oil, and other commodities, particularly from regional office, to their favourites.

They demanded of the zila nazim Mirpurkhas, taluka nazim Mirpurkhas and higher authorities to take notice of the matter and ensure supply of commodities to people on subsidised rates.