THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Organization leaders along with officials to extort the ration traders in the name of monthly payment. Earlier, monthly payment was collected by agents. Now the money is being collected with the help of some leaders of the rights protection organization of ration traders.

Monthly payment is happening again at a stage where the government's effort to rid the public distribution sector of corruption is almost successful. Most of the officers in the department do not fall into the temptation of bribery. However, monthly payment is mandatory for some and some want an 'Onam payment'. Organizational leaders themselves make forced fundraisers to cement their influence in the department. Even the ration shop licensees who do not commit any fraud are forced to pay.

While those who supply 75-100 quintals of grain per month get a decent income, the monthly income of shops supplying less than 45 quintals is less than Rs 18,000. Even they are forced to pay bribes when their income is not enough to cover the expenses of a family. A woman licensee of Mavelikara, who was forced to pay under the pressure of the organization, conveyed her distress to the organization leaders through a voice message on WhatsApp. This message became a big topic of discussion among the shop owners.

From the voice message:

The stock is also correct. Everything else is correct. Then why should I pay a thousand rupees? I am not even selling 45 quintals. There are 26 AAY cardholders. Only 13 people are coming. Those who misappropriate goods may have money to pay. Leaders are asking to pay bribes. I have no money.

Penalty for not paying the monthly payment

If the monthly payment is not paid, the officials will file a random violation and charge a fine, the traders complain. If there is one kg of rice less in stock, Rs 500 as fine and Rs 40 as the price of rice should be paid. The penalty amount will increase according to the shortage of rice. One can be fined one thousand rupees for not cleaning the shop floor. Even if the price information is erased on the board, one will get a fine of Rs. 500. If the monthly payment is given then there is no problem.

"The officers who take monthly payments will no longer be in the public distribution department. Action will be taken if any licensee complains. The complaint can be reported directly'

- GR Anil, Food Minister