Fair Price shops stop distributing subsidised grain in Punjab

Fair price shop owners in Punjab have stopped distribution of subsidised foodgrain under the National Food Security Act, demanding commission for the same.
"We have stopped distributing subsidised food grain to beneficiaries as the state government is not paying any commission to us," President of Punjab Depot Holders Union, Gurjinder Singh Sandhu said here today.
Agitating depot holders have been demanding commission for distributing subsidised foodgrain under the Centre's National Food Security Act.
"States like Haryana, Delhi and even Union Territory Chandigarh are giving commission of Rs 48 per quintal, Rs 70 per quintal and Rs 50 per cent quintal respectively to their depot holders but Punjab is not paying anything to us which is not justified," Sidhu said.

A provision had been made by the Centre under the Act to give commission to fair price shop owners, he said.
"By not paying our dues (commission), the state government is forcing us to engage in black marketing," he said adding, "we will not start distribution of foodgrain unless our demand is met".
They had not been paid for transportation and labour charges for distribution of subsidised foodgrain, dealers said.
The dealers sought from Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal to resolve their issues at the earliest. They would announce their next course of action in few days.