South Delhi to face milk crisis soon?

According to an official decision to seal the outlets of milk suppliers was taken about couple of week back, now the concerned departments have decided to materialise it. “During the meeting earlier, it was observed that SDMC must take sealing action against Mother Dairy immediately,” said the official not wishing to be named. 

A senior SDMC official said the total collective dues on 54 dairy booths of Delhi Milk Scheme in South zone of SDMC is to the tune of around Rs two crore. “The three civic bodies are calculating the total dues on all outlets of Mother Dairy and DMS across the city. The total due in expected to be over Rs 110 crore and SDMC’s share will be around Rs 40 crore. The companies have failed to submit their proposal to pay the dues despite assurances given during two meeting held on March 21 and June 3 this year hence the action is needed,” said the official.

Two state-owned milk suppliers were allotted space by the erstwhile Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) at a nominal rate of Rs 10 per month. However, in 2011, a year before its trifurcation, the MCD had passed a resolution in its House meeting to enhance the licence fee to Rs 1,000 per year. However, the same was not adhered to by the two companies as also trifurcation of the MCD put the decision on hold. 

It was said that the decision to increase the licence fee was taken after the Mother Dairy was found involved in commercial activities along the lines of private players. “The prime objective of Mother Dairy and Delhi Milk Scheme was supplying wholesome milk to the citizens of Delhi at reasonable prices as well as to provide remunerative prices to the milk producers. However, over the years these companies began commercial activities by selling non-agro and products like aerated drinks and ice creams among others,” added the official.

Two milk suppliers had approached the Delhi high court against the revision of the licence fee. However, the court has granted stay in the matter only in respect of SDMC’s order to increase the rent from retrospective effect. “We have issued notices to the milk suppliers and awaiting their response. In case of non-compliance, the civic body will begin with coercive measures that includes sealing of the properties,” he said.