Kerala ration shop owners' strike: Food Commission warns of legal action if disruption continues

Thiruvananthapuram: The State Food Commission has issued a warning of legal action if the ongoing strike by ration shop owners continues to disrupt supply of food grains in Kerala. The commission's statement follows reports that ration shop owners plan to begin an indefinite strike from Monday.

Under the National Food Security Act, 2013, the State Food Commission is responsible for ensuring the availability of food provisions through the public distribution system.

"It is the responsibility of the State Food Commission to ensure that the food rights guaranteed under Section 16 (6) (b) of Chapter II of the National Food Security Act, 2013, are upheld and made available to consumers through the public distribution system."

"The Commission will take a serious view of any act that disrupts the delivery of food grains to ration cardholders and will initiate legal proceedings against those responsible," the release stated.

Since January, a strike by lorry owners who deliver goods to ration shops has already caused disruptions in the food supply. In addition, shop owners have announced their strike demanding a revision of wages. Despite talks between the Food and Finance Ministers and union representatives on Friday, no definite agreement was reached, and the unions have vowed to continue the strike.

"Our main demand is the revision of the wage package, but the government has refused, citing financial constraints. This has left us with no choice but to go ahead with the strike," a committee leader said.

Distributors end 24-day strike

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

An agreement has been reached to pay the full amount for September and October, and 60 percent of the amount for November. The minister has instructed Supplyco CMD to release the payments starting Monday. The minister also confirmed that the distributors assured resumption of supplies soon.