Ration shops to be closed down from September 1

The All-India Ration Dealers’ Association will launch a stir by  indefinitely closing down ration shops from September 1 in protest against the State Government’s move to provide kerosene subsidy through the bank accounts of consumers.

 Addressing mediapersons here on Monday, Association state president K R Aravindakshan alleged that the decision would destroy the public distribution system in the state.

 According to the new decision, all ration card holders should have bank accounts, including fishermen.

 Consumers eligible for the kerosene at the subsidised rate of Rs 15.50 will have to pay Rs 58 and the subsidy amount would be directly paid through the bank account of consumers.

 The Association also said that the Civil Supplies Department is yet to consider the dealers’ demand to raise the commission rate of Rs 75 and provide a festival allowance of Rs 500.  

 Association national general secretary Babychen Mukkadan, state secretary A Shajahan and treasurer Kidarakuzhy Soman attended the press conference.