Ration dealers protest, refuse to lift quota in bulk

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, July 5: The ration dealers of Jammu City have refused to lift ration quota in bulk and sought intervention of the Advisor to the Lt Governor into the matter.
The City Ration Dealers Association which is on protest for the last three days. They alleged that now a days new dictates are being issued by the Directorate and the Assistant Director Trade and Store frequently. They said the Department is forcing them to deposit money before 5th of every month and also lift ration of two or three months in bulk before 10th. They alleged that there is no enough storage space in their shops and they have narrated their problem to the higher authorities but the Department and even Directorate is not prepared to listen to their issues. There is need to review the decision of the Jammu Directorate.
General secretary of the Association, Sanjay Abrol alleged that CAPD authorities have not paid their commission of ration quota and loading unloading charges for the last over six months. The arrears of the dealers worth lakhs are pending with the Department.
He pointed out that FCS&CA /CAPD authorities are receiving ration quota in jute bags from FCI and then sending to the mills. From mills, the ration is being supplies in plastic bags for the last about one year. For this bag whose cost is hardly Rs 2, Rs 14 per quintal (2 bags) are being charged from the dealers. He demanded high level probe into the matter and expose the nexus of the millers with some insiders in the department.