SDO Jehanabad Fair Price Shop Dealer Recruitment 2026 - Apply Offline for 94 Posts

The Office of the Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO), Jehanabad District, Bihar, operating under the Food & Consumer Protection Department, Government of Bihar, has released an important recruitment notification for the appointment of 94 Fair Price Shop Dealers across various blocks and localities within the Jehanabad district. This recruitment initiative is part of the government's commitment to strengthen the Public Distribution System (PDS) and ensure efficient delivery of essential food grains and commodities to ration card holders, particularly those belonging to economically weaker sections of society. The Public Distribution System represents one of the largest food distribution networks in the world and plays a crucial role in ensuring food security for millions of families across India. Fair Price Shop Dealers, also known as Ration Shop Dealers, serve as the vital link between the government's food distribution machinery and the beneficiaries. They are responsible for the smooth distribution of subsidized food grains including rice, wheat, sugar, and kerosene to eligible households holding ration cards under various schemes such as the National Food Security Act (NFSA). This recruitment of 94 Fair Price Shop Dealers represents a significant opportunity for eligible residents of Jehanabad district to become partners in the government's welfare initiatives while also establishing a sustainable livelihood source. Fair Price Shop dealership is not a traditional salaried employment but rather a business opportunity where selected dealers earn commission on the sale of commodities distributed through the PDS network. The commission structure is determined by the state government and provides a reasonable income for dealers while ensuring their active participation in the welfare distribution mechanism. Jehanabad district, located in the central part of Bihar, has a significant population dependent on the Public Distribution System for their food security needs. The establishment of 94 new Fair Price Shops will enhance the reach of PDS services, reduce the burden on existing shops, ensure better service delivery to beneficiaries, and minimize irregularities in the distribution process. The district administration is committed to selecting honest, capable, and dedicated individuals who understand the social responsibility associated with this role. The role of a Fair Price Shop Dealer involves multiple responsibilities beyond just selling food grains. Dealers are required to maintain proper records of stock received from the government warehouses, issue commodities to ration card holders as per their entitlements, maintain transparency in operations, use electronic Point of Sale (e-PoS) devices for biometric authentication of beneficiaries, ensure cleanliness and proper maintenance of the shop premises, display rate lists and stock positions prominently, and submit regular reports to the Food & Civil Supplies Department. This requires basic education, numerical ability, computer literacy, and most importantly, integrity and dedication to public service. The educational qualification requirement for Fair Price Shop Dealer positions has been set at Matriculation (10th pass) from a recognized board. This moderate qualification requirement ensures that a wide pool of eligible candidates from various socio-economic backgrounds can apply, while also ensuring that selected dealers possess basic literacy and numerical skills necessary for maintaining records and conducting transactions. The emphasis is more on the character, reliability, and commitment of the applicant rather than advanced educational credentials. Age eligibility for this recruitment starts from a minimum of 18 years, ensuring that only adult individuals with legal capacity can apply. There is typically no upper age limit specified, or it is kept quite liberal, allowing people from different age groups including youth seeking entrepreneurial opportunities and mature individuals with life experience to participate. The exact age criteria as on the date of application should be verified from the official notification issued by the SDO office. One of the key aspects of Fair Price Shop dealership is the requirement of suitable space or shop premises for operating the Fair Price Shop. Applicants must either own or have access to a shop space with minimum prescribed dimensions (typically 150-200 square feet), located in an accessible area within the designated locality or ward where the shop is to be allotted. The shop should have proper facilities for storage of food grains, adequate ventilation, and accessibility for all beneficiaries including persons with disabilities and elderly citizens. The selection process for Fair Price Shop Dealers is conducted in a transparent manner following the guidelines issued by the Food & Consumer Protection Department, Government of Bihar, and the Department of Food & Public Distribution, Government of India. The process typically involves scrutiny of applications to verify eligibility criteria, verification of documents including educational certificates, residence proof, caste certificate (if applicable), and shop space documents. Preference is given to candidates belonging to Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and Other Backward Classes (OBC) as per reservation policies. Additionally, special consideration is often given to women applicants, persons with disabilities, and ex-servicemen to promote inclusive participation in the PDS network. In case of multiple eligible applications for a single Fair Price Shop location, selection may be done through a draw of lots conducted in a transparent manner in the presence of applicants and district officials. The entire selection process is designed to ensure fairness, transparency, and adherence to government norms, preventing any favoritism or corruption in the allocation of dealerships. Selected Fair Price Shop Dealers are required to execute a formal agreement with the District Supply Officer on stamp paper, agreeing to abide by all terms and conditions of dealership including proper distribution of commodities, maintenance of records, adherence to timing schedules, participation in training programs, and compliance with directives issued by the department from time to time. Dealers are also required to furnish a security deposit as prescribed by the government, which serves as a guarantee for their honest performance of duties. The commission structure for Fair Price Shop Dealers in Bihar is determined by the state government and is periodically revised. Dealers earn commission on the quantity of food grains and other commodities distributed, typically calculated on a per quintal basis. While the exact commission rates should be verified from current government orders, dealers can earn a reasonable income ranging from Rs. 10,000 to Rs. 30,000 per month or more depending on the number of beneficiaries served, quantities distributed, and their operational efficiency. This income potential makes Fair Price Shop dealership an attractive livelihood opportunity, especially in rural and semi-urban areas. The application process for this recruitment is offline, requiring candidates to download the prescribed application format from the official website of Jehanabad district at jehanabad.nic.in or collect it from the SDO office. Candidates must fill the application form carefully with accurate information, attach self-attested copies of all required documents, and submit the complete application either by hand delivery or by registered post to the Office of the Sub-Divisional Officer, Jehanabad, at the address mentioned in the notification, on or before the last date of 10th February 2026. Documents required for application typically include educational qualification certificates (Matriculation pass certificate and mark sheet), proof of age (birth certificate, 10th certificate, or Aadhaar card), residence proof demonstrating that the applicant is a bonafide resident of Jehanabad district, caste certificate issued by competent authority if claiming reservation benefits, income certificate if applicable, recent passport-size photographs, and documents proving ownership or availability of shop space such as property documents, rent agreement, or consent letter from property owner along with their property papers. It is important for applicants to understand that Fair Price Shop dealership comes with both opportunities and responsibilities. While it offers a steady income source and social recognition, it also demands honesty, hard work, and a genuine commitment to serving the community. Any irregularities such as black marketing, hoarding, short-weighing, overcharging, or diversion of PDS commodities can lead to immediate termination of dealership, forfeiture of security deposit, and even legal action under relevant provisions of law. Therefore, only those individuals who are willing to operate with complete integrity should apply. The government has implemented various technological interventions in the PDS system including e-PoS devices with biometric authentication, online stock monitoring, SMS alerts to beneficiaries, and grievance redressal mechanisms. Fair Price Shop Dealers need to be comfortable with these technologies and willing to adopt digital systems for transparent operations. Training is provided by the department to help dealers adapt to these technological requirements. This recruitment represents an important opportunity for the residents of Jehanabad district to contribute to the welfare of their community while earning a livelihood. The Public Distribution System is a noble initiative aimed at ensuring food security for the vulnerable sections of society, and Fair Price Shop Dealers are the frontline warriors in this mission. Interested individuals who meet the eligibility criteria and possess the necessary qualities of honesty, diligence, and social commitment are encouraged to apply before the closing date and participate in this nation-building exercise.