(a) whether the Super Bazar Officers` Association have sought help of the Government in bailing out Super Bazar from financial crunch by giving a time bound long term repayable loan of Rs.20 crores;
(b) if so, the decision of the Government thereon; and
(c) the steps taken/proposed to be taken to revitalize the Super Bazar?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION (SHRI SRIRAM CHAUHAN)
(a) & (b): No Sir. However, the Super Bazar, Officers` Association has submitted certain proposals to Managing Director, Super Bazar, a copy of which has been received by Additional Secretary/Chairman Super Bazar, in which, inter-alia suggestions like renting of space to bank, sale of liquor and other commodities such as masala (wholesale), cleaning power, phenyl, typing papers etc. have been made. It is for the management of Super Bazar to take a view on these suggestions and to decide on the steps for its profitable functioning.
(c) : Among the commercial measures taken by Super Bazar to improve its performance, mark up has been increased from 8% to 15% in some cases, to increase turnover by dealing more in fast moving items like atta, sugar, salt, etc. Suppliers have agreed to supply stocks against only 80% payment for next six months resulting an additional mobilization of funds of about 20%; and, to avoid any blockage of funds in Government Institutional sales, a policy of payment after realization has been adopted. Also, the expenditure on newspapers, entertainment, use to taxies etc. have been stopped and other expenditures like overtime allowances, hard duty allowances and other fixed allowances have been totally stopped by Super Bazar w.e.f. 11/5/2000; purchase of vehicles/furnitures and other equipments have been stopped; total ban has been put on the fresh recruitment of staff; and, pilferage to stock by staff has been viewed very seriously and hence a decision has been taken to recover up to 1/3rd of the salary of the concerned staff, which is the maximum limit permitted by law, resulting in reduction in outflow of Rs. 12 lakhs per month approximately.