Telangana Ration Dealers strike to take stage from July 1

Affirming that their proposed indefinite strike from July 1 onwards will not be withdrawn, Telangana Fair Price Shops Ration Dealers Welfare association president Nayakoti Raju, on Sunday said that the strike would continue until the government implements their demands.

The ration dealers held discussions with the Civil Supplies Commissioner Akun Sabharwal on Sunday with the latter informing regarding a three-member committee being constituted to look into their demands including monthly honorarium and enhancement commission, among others.

He said that their concerns and demands will be reviewed after which a report would be submitted to Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao for final approval.

However, Mr Sabharwal appealed the dealers to call off the proposed strike as it would have a bad impact on many beneficiaries who are poor.

Warning them that they could be replaced at the discretion of the civil supplies department, he said that the strike was illegal and could result in prosecution or stringent action.

The Commissioner further clarified that the civil supplies dept was prepared to ensure that essential commodities reach beneficiaries despite a strike by dealers.

However, the dealers refused to back away from the proposed strike until their demands are met.