Why giving free kits for priority categories? Ration dealers’ association in dispute with govt over Onam kits

KOCHI: The association of ration dealers is planning to intensify protests against the government’s action of not paying commission for the distribution of Onam kits. The association has decided to continue legal action against the government, which is yet to pay a due amount of Rs 60 crores. However, the association clarified that it will cooperate with the distribution of kits.

Meantime, the association has demanded the government to collect a small amount from the priority categories, who are currently given free kits. The government has not yet paid commission for the kits, which were given for 11 months during the pandemic. The money was not paid even after the intervention of the high court.

As of now, the government spends Rs 13 for the distribution of a kit, inclusive of the transportation cost. As per the organization’s demand, an additional Rs 5 should be set aside as commission for the 14,500 ration dealers in the state.