Following the recent nationwide strike by transporters, another significant nationwide stir has emerged, as the All India Fair Price Shop Dealers Association has initiated an indefinite strike from January 2. The primary demand behind the strike is a substantial hike in the commission for ration shop owners.
In a letter, according to Indian Express, addressing to State Food and Supplies Minister Rathin Ghosh, the association emphasized the urgency of their demands, stating, “The public distribution system has shrunk, and the livelihood of ration dealers is in danger.” The strike aims to draw attention to the non-fulfillment of their longstanding demands and the perceived burden placed on state governments.
The association claims that since the implementation of the National Food Security Act, a significant percentage of the population has been excluded from ration distribution, impacting nearly 5.5 lakh fair price shops across the country, with 20,000 in West Bengal alone.
National General Secretary of the All India Fair Price Shop Dealers Association, Biswambhar Basu, stressed the need for an increase in commission to ensure a “minimum monthly income of Rs 50,000” for fair price shop owners. He urged the Centre to implement the recommendations of the World Food Programme without shifting the responsibility to state governments.
Biswas highlighted the disparity in commission rates across states, citing examples where commissions were increased to Rs 230 in Delhi, Kerala, Maharashtra, Goa, Jharkhand, and Haryana, while it remained at Rs 95 in West Bengal. He indicated that the strike would persist until a commission hike is implemented.
Notably, over 25,000 fair price shop dealers from Jharkhand joined the nationwide ‘Ration Bandh’ on January 1, called by the All India Fair Price Shop Dealers’ Federation (AIFPSDF), reports news agency PTI. The strike is in protest against the Central Government’s failure to ensure a minimum monthly income guarantee for dealers and other related issues.
In Jammu and Kashmir, the Fair Price Shop Dealers Federation has extended its support to the nationwide ‘Ration Bandh’ call. According to reports reaching The Chenab Times, Ajay Gupta, President of J&K Fair Price Dealers Association, urged ration dealers across the region to join the strike, emphasizing the legitimacy of the issues raised. The strike is expected to continue until January 16, impacting the beneficiaries covered under national and state food security schemes in the region.
As the strike unfolds across the country, concerns mount regarding its potential impact on the distribution of essential commodities and the livelihoods of fair price shop owners. The association’s call for a commission hike underscores the broader challenges faced by those involved in the public distribution system, creating a complex situation that requires attention and resolution from relevant authorities.
The Chenab Times News Desk