PDS distributors stage protest

BENGALURU: Distributors of foodgrains under the public distribution system (PDS) on Tuesday staged a flash protest in front of the office of the Food and Civil Supplies Department demanding full implementation of the Anna Bhagya scheme.

Currently, the state government is depositing money in the accounts of beneficiaries in lieu of the extra 5 kg of rice that was promised by the Congress ahead of the Assembly election.

The PDS distributors, led by their association state president T Krishnappa, demanded action against officials who sought Rs 5 against every ration card and also raised slogans against them.

The PDS distributors are demanding that 10 kg of rice should be distributed through them only and they should get commission for it. They also demanded that the case registered against the association president be withdrawn.

Apart from this, the PDS distributors alleged that Rs 100 crore towards 3-KYC service fee, collected since 2018, and Rs 105 crore arrears in the form of 24 paise additional commission per quintal has not been paid to them since 2022.

Food and Civil Supplies Commissioner Gyanendra Kumar said action will be taken after an inquiry is conducted.

Food and Civil Supplies Department Commissioner Gyanendra Kumar said the issue of demanding money has come their notice and an inquiry has been ordered. “Even before the inquiry can be completed, they staged a protest. We have assured them that action will be taken after the report is submitted in a week”.