Despite ending strike, ration shops in Kerala still remain closed

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Minister GR Anil has directed the state rationing controller to investigate the reason behind more than 1000 ration shops remaining shut down on Wednesday. Some traders continued to close their shops partially or completely despite the protest ending. It is reported that there is scarce of essentials in these shops.

The minister said that no ration licensee has the right to close down ration shops without sufficient reasons and disruption of ration distribution will be considered as a breach of discipline. The commission of the ration traders for December was transferred to the accounts of all the traders on Wednesday. Traders were already given instructions to purchase domestic essentials from nearby shops if faced with a dearth of items at their own shop.

However, traders accused the officials of seldom intervening in their matters after giving instructions.

"Foodgrains required for January month distribution are available in all ration shops." - GR Anil, Food Minister