Alappuzha: Kerala, for the first time, has decided to set educational qualifications to win dealership of Public Distribution System (PDS) outlets. As many as 2,000 new licenses will be distributed to applicants with SSLC qualifications.
Earlier, there was no condition of educational qualification to get dealership. The Kerala Rationing Order was recently updated in tune with the National Food Security Act of 2013. It will help to make the shops more efficient as it may soon have to provide banking services as well.
However, current dealers who have not passed SSLC will not lose their dealership. Some licenses were cancelled due to multiple reasons and some were merged with nearby shops. Such licenses will be given to the newcomers.
The general administration department has prepared the application form which will soon be made available for the public. The duly filled forms have to be submitted to the District Supply Office. The reserved licenses for the SC category will be considered initially. Self-help groups, women's groups, ex-servicemen and cooperative societies also have priority in new dealerships.
Eligibility
Applicant's age must be between 21-62
Minimum 3 years of residentship in the grama panchayat where the shop is located; applicants from the same ward will be given preference
SC applicants must be a resident in the same taluk where the shop is situated; applicants from the same grama panchayat will be given preference
Higher age will be the deciding factor if more than one person with similar qualifications apply
Ineligibility
Those found guilty by a court under the National Food Security Act or Essential Commodities Act
Part-time or full-time government staff
Staff of public or private cooperative institutions
Those who receive rewards from the state government
Family members of current ration shop owners
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