Ration dealers on nationwide strike, 17 thousands shops closed in Bengal

In response to ongoing issues related to ration distribution, the All India Fair Price Shop Dealers Federation has announced a nationwide strike starting January 1. The indefinite strike, called for by the federation, led to the closure of more than 5 lakh ration shops across the country, with over 17 thousand ration shops shuttered in the state alone.

The strike, initiated after a holiday yesterday, is anticipated to impact over 80 crore customers, disrupting essential ration services. The primary demand from the ration dealers is an increase in commission along with a guaranteed minimum income. General Secretary of the All India Fair Price Shop Dealers Federation, Biswambhar Basu, emphasized the need for a secure income for ration shopkeepers, citing concerns about the current commission structure and alleged pressures to deliver ration at doorsteps.

"Our protest is against it. A 7 thousand rupees fine over a 95 rupees commission. How can one do business? They are providing us with less material, and consumers are not getting their full ration," Basu remarked, expressing frustration over the challenges faced by the dealers.