Thiruvananthapuram: Ration dealers across the state called off their indefinite strike on Monday following a discussion between the Ration Dealers Coordination State Committee and Minister of Food G R Anil. An agreement has been reached on two of the four demands raised by the ration dealers. The minister also informed the meeting that the state government cannot take a stand on the other two issues raised by the protesters as they are under the consideration of the central government.

After discussions with the finance minister, G R Anil announced that their salaries will be paid tomorrow. It was agreed that the government is studying the report regarding the wage hike of ration dealers and a decision on the issue can be taken by March. With this, the indefinite strike was called off. "A system will be created to ensure that their commission is given each month between the 10th and 15th," Anil said.

Ration dealers across the state had begun an indefinite strike earlier in the day, demanding a revision of their wage package and other benefits. The trader associations have claimed that since 2018, neither the commission nor wages have been revised, and the government has failed to fulfil several promises made in phases. 

Earlier, two rounds of discussions were held with Ministers G R Anil and K N Balagopal, but no resolution was reached. The government has decided to address the strike firmly. Minister G R Anil stated that if food supplies to the public are disrupted, the government will seize the shops and establish an alternative system.