Thiruvananthapuram: The three-week-long strike by ration distributors in Kerala has been called off following successful negotiations with the Minister for Food and Civil Supplies, GR Anil, on Saturday. The government has agreed to partially settle outstanding payments of approximately ₹51 crore, prompting the distributors to withdraw their protest.

The strike had disrupted the transportation of stock from warehouses to ration shops, leading to significant delays in ration distribution. Earlier, a meeting with Minister Anil had failed to resolve the issue. However, the minister on Saturday assured distributors of partial payment of their dues.

Despite this resolution, the ration distribution crisis is expected to persist. Ration shop owners have announced a separate strike starting Monday, demanding a revision of their wage package and resolution of welfare fund-related grievances. Discussions with Finance Minister K N Balagopal and Minister Anil ended inconclusively, as the government cited financial constraints and refused to increase commissions.

The shop owners have expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of meaningful dialogue, accusing the Finance Minister of inadequate engagement during negotiations. Their decision to shut down shops from Monday is expected to hinder the delivery of fresh stock to ration outlets, prolonging the disruption.

The government has assured that alternative arrangements for ration distribution will be explored to mitigate the impact of the strikes.