Ration dealers to protest Centre’s cash transfer plan

Ration dealers will take out a march to the Parliament on December 3 in protest against the Centre’s move to replace subsidised foodgrain distribution through ration shops with direct cash transfers to beneficiaries.

The All Kerala Retail Ration Dealers Association (AKRRDA) announced here on Saturday that they would hold dharnas in front of Central government offices at taluk headquarters and a sit-in outside the AG’s Office at Thiruvananthapuram ahead of the Parliament march.

The association said the proposed cash transfer move would weaken Keralam’s public distribution system and affect the food security of ordinary people. It would also affect the livelihood of ration dealers, workers and other employees linked to the system.