Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Jan 5: Ration dealers across Jammu and Kashmir have urged the Government to recognize them as permanent employees and undertake comprehensive reforms in the ration distribution system, citing severe financial distress caused by long-standing policy neglect and recent changes in the Public Distribution System (PDS).
Addressing a press conference here today, representatives of City Ration Dealers’ Association (CRDA), Jammu, said that despite serving as the backbone of the PDS for decades and ensuring food security for lakhs of beneficiaries, dealers continue to be treated merely as temporary agents. They said this status denies them job security, fixed remuneration, social security benefits, and retirement provisions.
The dealers argued that their role is critical in implementing government welfare schemes and maintaining last-mile delivery of essential food items, yet they remain excluded from basic employee protections. They demanded immediate recognition as permanent employees to safeguard their livelihood and dignity.
Highlighting another major concern, the dealers called for reforms in the ration distribution system in J&K on the pattern of other states such as Punjab, Haryana and Delhi. They said that earlier, ration dealers in J&K were allowed to distribute multiple essential commodities, including kerosene oil, sugar and pulses, which provided them with a reasonable commission and stable income.
However, under the current system, dealers are restricted to distributing only wheat flour (atta) and rice, which has drastically reduced their earnings. As a result, many dealers are struggling to meet basic household expenses, pay rent, support their children’s education, and manage medical needs.
“Ration dealers in other states continue to distribute multiple essential items such as pulses, mustard oil, and kerosene oil in addition to wheat and rice, ensuring economic stability,” the dealers said, adding, the present arrangement in J&K has created inequality and pushed them into financial insecurity.
The Union appealed to the Government for urgent intervention to address their demands.
Follow our WhatsApp channel
