KOZHIKODE: The distribution of ration has come to a standstill with transport contractors stopping the supply of goods to ration shops from January 1 due to arrears of Rs 100 crore. Most ration shops do not have rice. Some stores will soon run out of stock. This will affect all cardholders including BPL.

Two and a half months' arrears are due. This includes 10 percent of the amount payable to contractors following incomplete audit. The contractors said that the amount has been withheld by Civil Supplies for more than 10 months.

October arrears have been paid in fifty taluks following discussions with the Civil Supplies Minister. 26 taluks are yet to be paid. Officials of the Kerala Transporting Contractors Association said that the distribution of ration goods will be resumed only if the arrears for the months of November and December are also paid. Disruption of ration supply may lead to an increase in rice prices in the open market.

Ration dealers to strike

The ration dealers have announced an indefinite strike from 27th January, demanding timely revision of the commission. They say they can't survive in today's age of rising prices on the commission system of years ago. They also said that the government's promise to reform the service and wage system was not fulfilled when the e-POS machine came. The strike has been announced by the Ration Traders Coordination Committee.

Discussion with Minister on Monday

Minister GR Anil will hold talks with ration trader organizations on Monday. The discussion will be held at 12 noon in the minister's chamber in the assembly complex.

Ration shops in Kerala: 14,300

Cardholders: 90 lakhs

"Due to non-payment of dues, we are unable to pay labourers including loading and unloading workers. The government should solve the problem immediately."

- Fahd bin Ismail

State people Secretary

Kerala Transporting Contractors Association