Ration dealers suffer, Harish Rao calls out govt inaction

Former Minister and Siddipet MLA Harish Rao has strongly criticized the central and state governments for delaying payments to ration dealers, calling it unfair and harmful to their livelihoods. He said that dealers, who help feed the poor by distributing rationed rice and essential supplies, are being ignored despite their critical role.

Ration dealers have reportedly been waiting for pending commissions for months. Before the elections, the Congress had promised a monthly honorarium of ₹5,000 and an increase in commission, but these commitments have not been fulfilled even 22 months after coming to power. Harish Rao described the governments’ inaction as “cruel,” leaving dealers struggling while authorities remain inactive.

Rao highlighted that under the BRS government in 2023, ration dealers’ concerns were addressed, including raising the commission per metric ton from ₹900 to ₹1,400. Additional measures included providing dealership rights to family members of 100 dealers who died during the pandemic and increasing the age limit for dealers from 40 to 50 years.

He condemned the central and state governments for their negligence, saying it is denying ration dealers the joy of celebrating festivals like Bathukamma, Dussehra, and Diwali. Rao demanded immediate release of the pending central and state commission payments and called for the Congress manifesto promises, including the ₹5,000 honorarium and commission increase, to be implemented without delay.