Thiruvananthapuram: With ration dealers in Kerala set to begin an indefinite strike on January 27, Minister for Food and Civil Supplies, GR Anil, has expressed the government's willingness to hold further discussions, including with the Finance Minister, to address their concerns. “The government supports legitimate protests but cannot condone actions that hinder the distribution of essential food grains to the public,” the minister stated.

Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, he urged the dealers to reconsider their decision, highlighting the potential disruption to the public distribution system (PDS). He emphasised that the strike could undermine efforts to enhance the Ration Dealers' Welfare Fund Scheme and diversify the sector.

The demands raised by the dealers include revising the commission package, ensuring timely payments, and opposing the central government’s Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) scheme, which proposes replacing food grains with cash transfers. Anil stated that the state government supports the demand to withdraw the DBT scheme and has assured that other concerns will be considered as financial conditions improve.

Highlighting the financial aspects, the minister explained that the state distributes approximately 11.54 lakh quintals of food grains monthly, incurring Rs 33.5 crore in commissions to ration dealers. While the central government fixes the commission rate at Rs 107 per quintal—of which it contributes only Rs 53.5—the state provides an additional Rs 247 per quintal, making the total commission Rs 300, the highest in India. He also pointed out that the Centre contributes only 20 per cent of the transportation costs for ration goods.

The minister further noted that the state government has addressed several longstanding demands of the ration dealers, including amendments to the 2021 KTPDS (Control) Order and the 1998 Kerala Ration Dealers Welfare Fund Act, through continuous dialogue.

To address broader challenges, a committee led by the Rationing Controller was tasked with studying the financial, legal, and social issues faced by ration dealers post-implementation of the National Food Security Act (NFSA). The committee’s recommendations are under active consideration, Anil added.

“Additionally, the government allocated Rs 39.46 crore in three instalments to compensate dealers for distributing COVID-19 relief kits, demonstrating its commitment to their welfare,” the minister concluded.