Strike by ration traders from today; Kerala govt plans strict action

Thiruvananthapuram: Ration shop owners across Kerala have launched an indefinite strike from Monday demanding revision of wages. Despite discussions held on Friday between the state Food and Finance Minister and union representatives, no consensus was reached. Following this, representatives of the ration traders’ unions decided to close all ration shops and proceed with the strike.

In response, the government announced strict measures to address the situation. Minister for Food and Civil Supplies G.R. Anil declared that the government would take over the closed ration shops and deploy mobile ration shops across the state starting Tuesday. The minister expressed hope that the traders would reopen their shops and resume operations.

The State Food Commission has issued a warning of legal action if the strike disrupts the supply of food grains in Kerala. Under the National Food Security Act, 2013, the commission is tasked with ensuring uninterrupted distribution of food provisions through the public distribution system.

Since January, a strike by lorry owners who delivered goods to ration shops had caused disruption in the food supply. In addition, shop owners have announced their strike demanding a revision of wages. 

Meanwhile, the distributors of ration shops have called off their 24-day-long strike following discussions with Minister G.R. Anil and union leaders.