Kozhikode: Ration dealers in Kerala, who have worked tirelessly to muster ration cardholders on the priority list, allege that the government has turned a blind eye to their hard work. Despite their efforts, they have not received two months’ salary and the Onam festival allowance. The government had promised to release Rs 51.26 crore in wages for the months of August and September, along with the festival allowance, before Onam, but this commitment remains unfulfilled.

Unpaid festival allowance

Minister for Food and Civil Supplies, G R Anil, had announced a Rs 1,000 festival allowance for traders on the occasion of Onam. However, the traders are still waiting for this payment. Around Rs 1.30 crore is required to pay bonuses to 12,977 traders, but they have been informed that the finance department has not yet sanctioned this amount.

Mustering success amid wage delays

Thanks to the full cooperation of the traders, the mustering of more than 80 percent of ration cardholders in the state has been successfully completed. Despite the hectic pace of ration distribution, the mustering process was carried out without special wages. Traders even worked during their free time and holidays to muster elderly people and those who are disabled, demonstrating their dedication to the task. They have now called for the support of volunteers and local representatives to complete the mustering of inpatients before the final deadline of October 25.

Challenges in mustering

The mustering process for individuals who cannot authenticate their identity using the fingerprint scanners at ration shops has hit a roadblock. Traders are urging the government to provide retinal scanners or organise special camps to complete this mustering. They have assured full cooperation if such camps are held.

While other states have set up mustering systems in their ration shops, cooperation from some states remains an issue. Traders are asking for the government's intervention to address these concerns.

Demands for wage revisions

Traders are also pushing for a revision of their wage package and want loopholes in the Kerala Targeted Public Distribution System (KTPDS) Act to be addressed.

In light of the unpaid dues, traders are demanding immediate disbursal of the Onam allowance as a temporary relief. The President of the All Kerala Retail Ration Dealers Association, Johny Nelloor, and General Secretary T. Muhammedali have warned that they will initiate a strike, in consultation with the coordination committee, if the arrears are not paid without further delay.