Government pressure bears fruit; ration shops will not be shut

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The protest committee of the combined ration dealers’ organizations have withdrawn their indefinite strike which was scheduled to begin today.

The government had agreed to pay the ration dealers their full commission for the month of October. Citing this, the ruling party organization of ration dealers, KREU (AITUC), and Kerala State Ration Dealers Association said that it is not right to burden the people with the strike just because the government did not give a written order. Their opposition to the strike forced the protest committee to withdraw their call for strike.

Majority of the dealers are unhappy with the difference of opinion within the protest committee.

In a meeting held on Thursday, the Food and Civil Supplies Minister, GR Anil, had informed the leaders of ration dealers that the finance department has allowed Rs.14 crores to pay the October commission. However, the Ration Co-Ordination State Committee took the stand that they wanted a written assurance from the government.

All Kerala Retail Ration Dealers Association had decided to begin the protest on Saturday as no written assurance was given by the government. In the co-ordination meeting held yesterday this decision was opposed by KSRRDA and AITUC. After the government had promised to give the commission for the month of October, both the organizations made it clear that they will not shut shop.

Once it was clear that there would be differences about shutting shop, the protest committee decided to postpone the protest. However, if the rest of the commission is not given, then another meeting will be conveyed on 30th to discuss on future course