Ration dealers to protest against Central reforms in PDS

Ration dealers in Kerala are planning a series of protests against Central reforms in the public distribution system (PDS), including a nationwide march to Parliament. The All Kerala Retail Ration Dealers Association (AKRRDA) is leading the campaign, with their primary demand being the immediate withdrawal of Direct Benefit Transfer proposals.

The dealers argue that transitioning from per-capita grain allocation to cash transfers could lead to the eventual phasing out of subsidies, similar to the gas subsidy reforms. They also oppose the introduction of digital wallets in the sector and warn that such reforms could weaken neighborhood ration shops and allow corporate supermarket monopolies to gain control over the public distribution network.

The protest will commence on Monday with demonstrations in front of Central government offices at taluk headquarters, culminating in a march to Parliament on December 3.

Brief written by urgent.news from The Hindu's own syndicated text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.