KOCHI: Even when the distribution of free kits and rations is taking place regularly, ration shopkeepers in the state are getting terrified by COVID-19. So far, 26 ration employees have died of COVID-19 in Kerala. More than 100 are undergoing treatment. The licensees will not open the shops on Monday as a protest against the government for not considering their demand to include them in the priority group for COVID vaccination.

A letter has been sent to the Minister and the Chief of Civil Supplies raising five demands. If no action is taken, the employees will intensify their protest. More than 26,000 people work in ration shops in the state.

The use of the biometric system by 100-150 people per day increases the risk of COVID spread in ration shops. Finger impressions on the e-PoS machine and the handing over of ration cards have increased the risk of transmission of the disease. The ration shop employees are also finding it difficult to identify those people coming from containment zones.

Demands

• Financial assistance to the dependents of the ration shop employees who died of COVID
• Ration traders should be given priority in COVID vaccination
• Vaccine for traders' dependents
• Insurance coverage
• Implement minus billing so that old stock can be delivered due to the late arrival of goods.
• e-PoS malfunction should be fixed. OTP system should be restored for portability cards.