The Fair Price Shop Dealers Association, Jharkhand, organized a demonstration at the East Singhbhum district Deputy Commissioner’s office to address the issue of unpaid commissions. A warning was issued that if the outstanding commission payments were not cleared, all 1432 PDS shops in the district would be closed, starting September 1st, leading to a complete halt in ration distribution. Key figures from the association, including District President Nagesh Jaiswal, along with numerous shopkeepers, participated in the protest. They explained that the shopkeepers and women’s committees had not received their commissions for many months, resulting in severe financial difficulties. Repeated requests for payment had been ignored by the department. The association has a list of demands which include commission payments, e-POS machine maintenance and replacement, improved honorariums, and better distribution methods. The association has made it clear that if their issues are not resolved, they will have no choice but to shut down their shops indefinitely. The government and supply department will be held accountable.
