The public distribution system in Kerala is set to face disruption with conciliatory talks held by Finance Minister K.N. Balagopal and Food and Civil Supplies Minister G.R. Anil with ration dealers ending in a deadlock on Friday.
The stalemate centres on the dealers’ demand to revise the commission they receive for ration supply. The outcome has prompted them to proceed with their plan to launch an indefinite agitation from January 27.
The Ration Dealers Coordination State Committee, led by G. Stephen, MLA, and Johnny Nellore, were assured by the Ministers that all their demands, except that for the commission hike, will be implemented in a time-bound manner.
However, the crucial issue of revising the commission can be considered only on the basis of a report of a three-member committee and when the State’s financial situation improves. The Ministers also appealed to the dealers to call off their strike, but this offer failed to appease the protesters.
A coordination committee member criticised the government’s handling of the issue, describing it as “farce”. He claimed the Finance Minister, despite urging the agitators to attend the talks, participated for only around two minutes before leaving, citing other engagements and stating that the State’s financial situation made it impossible to meet their demands.
The State-wide strike comes at a time when many ration outlets are already grappling with dwindling stocks of essential items. An ongoing strike by transport contractors since January 1, demanding overdue payments, has disrupted the supply of ration goods from the Food Corporation of India’s godowns to Supplyco warehouses, and thereafter, to ration outlets.
