PDS Shopkeepers Protest Over Commission Arrears, Shops to Close from September 1st

The Fair Price Shop Dealers Association, Jharkhand, held a strong demonstration at the East Singhbhum district Deputy Commissioner’s office. A memorandum was submitted, warning that if the outstanding commission payments were not made, 1432 PDS shops in the district would close from September 1st, completely halting the lifting and distribution of rations. District President of the Association, Nagesh Jaiswal, along with other key members and a large number of shopkeepers, participated in the protest. They stated that the commission for shopkeepers and women’s group committees had been pending for several months, leading to dire financial straits for their families. Despite repeated requests, the department has not yet made the payments. The association has demanded the payment of commissions, repairs and replacements of e-POS machines, an increase in honorariums, and improvements in distribution and allocation. The association has clearly stated that if their problems are not resolved, the shopkeepers will be forced to an indefinite shutdown, for which the government and the supply department will be entirely responsible.