Ahmedabad, India — Thousands of fair price shop (FPS) dealers across Gujarat have gone on an indefinite strike, raising 20 major demands to the state government. The protest, organized by the All Gujarat Fair Price Shop Owners Association, aims to highlight the long-standing issues faced by ration dealers under the public distribution system (PDS).
The association claims that despite continuous requests, the government has failed to address several administrative and financial concerns. Dealers say they play a crucial role in ensuring food security for millions, yet they continue to face systemic hurdles and financial instability.
Key Highlights of the 20 Demands of Ration Dealers
The association presented a comprehensive list of demands to the state authorities. These include better financial support, transparent systems, and protection from unfair penalties. Below are the main points:
- Accountability for Missing Stock: When stock is lost or discrepancies arise, the concerned tehsil committee members should verify the issue through biometric confirmation before registering any complaint or criminal entry.
- Increase in Commission: Dealers demand an increase in commission from ₹3.30 per kilogram to a minimum guaranteed monthly commission of ₹30,000.
- Timely Payment: Commission payments should be credited directly to bank accounts without delay.
- E-Pass Software Improvement: Dealers insist that the e-pass system be upgraded to ensure continuous access without technical interruptions.
- VAT and Financial Support: Either provide a 4% VAT benefit or ensure a minimum guaranteed commission of ₹20,000 for all ration dealers.
- Shop Maintenance Allowance: The government should cover basic maintenance costs of ration shops and penalize any dealer proven to be violating distribution rules.
- Access to Distribution Data: Dealers should be allowed to access real-time information on ration distribution to maintain transparency.
- Safe Transportation: The supply vehicles delivering ration stock to shops should be monitored, ensuring proper handling during transit.
- Timely Ration Supply: The DSD Corporation must ensure that ration materials reach all shops within the scheduled period.
- Quality Control Committee: A special inspection committee should be formed to monitor and ensure the quality of ration items distributed to the public.
- Simplify Manual Register Process: The mandatory manual register requirement should be simplified to reduce unnecessary administrative burden.
- Fair Legal Policy: No legal or disciplinary action should be taken against dealers without reasonable cause or verified evidence.
- Representation in Committees: Dealers must have representatives in tehsil committees to ensure their voices are heard and justice is served in case of disputes.
- License Renewal Period: The renewal process for shop licenses should be completed within 30 days instead of the current 45-day period.
- Online Stock Transparency: After any official inspection, the online system must automatically update the stock impact to maintain accountability.
- Technical Training: The government should provide training to dealers to handle technical errors in online servers and explain such issues clearly to customers.
- Environmental Deposit System: Implement a proper nomination and distribution system for environmental deposits related to ration supplies.
- Support for Remote Shops: For shops located away from main towns, arrangements should be made for easy access to D.G. machines and ration stock directly from godowns.
- Pandemic Relief: The government must fulfill its previous promise of providing a ₹25 lakh relief package announced during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Single Login System: Introduce a unified login system for ration dealers to manage stock, distribution, and access all government schemes through one platform.
Additionally, dealers have requested a 25% increase in the minimum guaranteed commission and an extra 5% benefit for those who efficiently handle biometric ration distribution.
Also read: 17000 Cheap Food Shops Closed in Gujarat as Fair Price Dealers Begin Indefinite Strike
Dealers Demand Immediate Action
Speaking to reporters, association representatives emphasized that ration dealers have been the backbone of India’s food distribution network for decades. They said that delays in payments, lack of technical support, and unfulfilled government promises have made it impossible to run their shops sustainably.
“Dealers are not demanding luxuries; we are asking for basic fairness and respect for our work,” said one association member. “We distribute food to millions of families. Yet, when there are system errors or stock issues, we are unfairly blamed and penalized.”
Public Distribution at Risk
With over 17,000 fair price shops now closed due to the strike, millions of ration cardholders could face disruption in receiving their essential commodities. Residents in several districts have already reported delays in food grain supply.
Officials from the state food and civil supplies department have acknowledged the strike and assured that discussions are underway to resolve the matter.
Conclusion
The 20 demands of ration dealers reflect their urgent call for reform within Gujarat’s public distribution system. The indefinite strike has drawn public attention to the fragile relationship between frontline distribution workers and the government machinery.
If the state meets even part of their demands — especially related to fair compensation, digital efficiency, and transparency — it could restore stability in one of the most critical welfare systems in India.
