Ration distribution: E-POS crashes again in Kerala

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: E-POS machines suffered yet another glitch around 5 pm on Monday disrupting the ration distribution across the state. It is common for E-POS machines to suffer glitches at the end of every month.

The contractors meanwhile have stopped delivering ration rice and are on strike following the non-payment of dues. The government had sanctioned Rs 57.24 crore towards the arrears to be paid to Supplyco for delivery of goods. From this, the food department had decided to pay two months' arrears to the contractors. However, the sanctioned amount has not yet reached the hands of authorities, worsening the situation.

With Bakrid approaching and the trawling ban on coastal regions, more people are expected to line up in front of ration shops expecting rice and other essentials. Traders say the stock is in limited quantity in most shops. All Kerala Retail Ration Dealer's Association State General Secretary T. Muhammad Ali and Vice President Johnson Vilavinal demanded that the government should intervene at the earliest to solve the crisis.