Low ration offtake puts basic pay of several dealers at risk
The ability of dealers to meet distribution targets, especially after rice allocation reduction in September, has led to concerns about their basic income.
The ability of dealers to meet distribution targets, especially after rice allocation reduction in September, has led to concerns about their basic income.
The ability of dealers to meet distribution targets, especially after rice allocation reduction in September, has led to concerns about their basic income.
Alappuzha: With ration distribution in September showing a sharp fall, concerns are mounting that hundreds of ration dealers across the state may not receive their basic salary for the month.
The government had announced a basic salary of ₹18,000 for ration dealers, but this is disbursed only to those who distribute over 44 quintals of food grains. In September, many dealers were unable to reach this volume.
According to estimates, AAY cardholders are entitled to 30 kg of rice, 2 kg of wheat, 3 packets of atta and 1 kg of sugar. For PHH cardholders, each member is eligible to receive 4 kg of rice and 1 kg of atta.
On the other hand, shops serving a majority of blue (NPAS) and white (NPNS) cardholders face difficulties in reaching the target. Blue cardholders receive only 2 kg of rice per member, while white cardholders are eligible for only 2 kg of rice. As a result, the sales volume remains low in such shops, most of which are located in urban areas.
Currently, ration shop traders receive a commission of ₹220 per quintal of rice supplied, along with a support payment of ₹8,500. However, this full support amount is only made available if sales exceed 70 per cent of the allocated quota.
Ration dealers now fear that, with the rice allocation for October remaining almost the same as September, sales figures are likely to stay low.
“In September, the number of people purchasing ration declined as the share of rice for the priority category was reduced. This fall is now reflected in our wages too. The long-pending demand to revise the wages of ration shop dealers must be addressed on an emergency basis,” said N Shijeer, Organising Secretary of the Kerala State Retail Ration Dealers Association.