Ration shops remain shut despite end of strike; dealers say scarcity

Over 1,000 ration shops across Kerala remained closed on Wednesday, causing significant concern among the state's 94.82 lakh ration cardholders. Despite the conclusion of a protest by transport contractors, many dealers continued to keep their establishments shuttered, citing unresolved grievances and a scarcity of essential commodities.
 Minister for Food and Civil Supplies, G R Anil, has directed the state rationing controller to investigate the closures. He emphasized that no ration licensee has the right to shut down their shop without sufficient reason, labeling such actions as a breach of discipline. The minister also noted that the commission for December had been transferred to the accounts of all traders on Wednesday, urging them to procure essential items from nearby shops if faced with shortages.
 The crisis began earlier this month when contractors responsible for transporting goods to ration shops initiated a strike due to unpaid dues totaling over ₹71 crore. This strike led to a depletion of stocks in many of the state's 14,000-plus ration shops. Reports indicate that only 46.76 lakh cardholders have collected their January quota, leaving nearly half without their entitled provisions.
 The Kerala Transporting Contractors Association highlighted that the government had defaulted on payments for three months prior to December, exacerbating the situation. Although the government allocated ₹50 crore to the Supplyco agency, contractors received only 40% of their September bills, intensifying their financial strain.
 In response to the transport contractors' strike, the Kerala State Retail Ration Dealers’ Association announced an indefinite strike starting January 27. They are demanding a timely revision of commissions, arguing that the current rates, established in 2018, are insufficient given rising operational costs. The existing structure ensures a monthly commission of ₹18,000 for selling 45 quintals of foodgrain, comprising ₹8,500 in government support and ₹220 per quintal. Dealers argue that this compensation does not align with current economic realities, leading many to consider closing their shops permanently.
 The association estimates that more than 150 shops have already ceased operations in recent times due to financial unviability. High wages, rent, and delayed payments have further compounded the challenges faced by ration dealers.
Minister Anil acknowledged the payment delays and assured that the government is working to address these issues. To improve the financial viability of fair price shop owners, the government plans to upgrade these establishments into K-stores, aiming to provide better returns. Additionally, there are plans to introduce services such as retailing bottled drinking water to generate additional income for dealers. Open URL