BAJURA, JUNE 23
Bajura is experiencing a severe shortage of iodized salt. It pose a significant challenge, particularly during the rainy season, according to Tek Bahadur Bohara, head of the Salt Trading Corporation Limited (STCL) office in Bajura.
Due to low stock levels, STCL has been distributing salt only once a week, resulting in long lines. STCL sells iodized salt with transportation subsidies at 9 rupees per kg. Each person is allowed to buy only 5 kg, leading to large numbers of people lining up to buy salt before it runs out, necessitating police deployment to maintain security.
There are four salt depots and four sales centers in Bajura, but the office reported that all the annual stock at the four sales centers has already been sold. Bohara stated that the remaining salt at the depots in Martadi, Kolti, Maure, and Kawadi is insufficient to meet the demand even for a single day.
The subsidized salt in the district is often smuggled to Terai districts at the start of the fiscal year when there is sufficient supply. Bohara acknowledged that people claim to buy salt for household use but then sell it in the tarai regions. About 10% of the salt is smuggled out of Bajura this way. Additionally, salt is fed to livestock, contributing to the shortage. Subsidized salt is sold not only in the tarai markets but also in local markets in Bajura, including Martadi, Kolti, Tipada, Betalmandau, Dhulachaur, and Kawadi.
Locals report that salt sold at depots is being resold in local markets for 25 to 50 rupees per kg.
Although STCL supplies salt in three brands - Bhanu, Shakti, and Aayo - the regional office in Dhangadhi mentioned that Bhanu brand is not sold to traders. Selling Bhanu salt by traders can result in a 5-year prison sentence and a fine according to Article 4 of the Black Market Act 2032.
The shortage has been ongoing for a long time, with insufficient efforts to address the issue, leading to serious problems now.
For the fiscal year 2080-2081, Bajura's salt quota is 16,852 quintals, which was insufficient for the district.
Bohara said that a request for an additional quota has been sent to the Ministry of Supplies. Chief District Officer Bhimkant Poudel also stated that coordination with the central government is ongoing to address the shortage of salt.
