The distribution of ration rice to beneficiaries in Karimnagar has been successful, but the commission money for dealers has not been paid for two months. This has caused financial strain on the dealers who are responsible for maintaining their shops and paying for expenses such as rent and porter fees. There are 1,964 ration dealers in Karimnagar, Jagtial, Peddapalli and Rajanna Sircilla districts, each distributing between 30 to 100 quintals of rice based on card allocation. The government pays a commission of 70 paise per quintal.
The commission money for December and January has not been paid, causing dealers to incur debts. The total commission owed to dealers is Rs. 41.48 crores for two months. The cost of maintaining the shops and paying for expenses is more than Rs 5,000 per month, causing dealers to question how they will manage their shops and support their families without the commission payment.
Officials claim that there has been a delay in payment due to arrangements made to receive the commission from the Commissioner’s office instead of the District Civil Supplies department. Although details of the quota and distribution are recorded online through e-pass, there has been a severe delay in updating the information for three months.
District Civil Supplies Officers have sent all details of the past three months to the Commissioner’s office, and they have assured that the commission money will be sanctioned to dealers immediately after the budget allocation. The dealers are eagerly waiting for the payment to be made so they can continue to provide essential services to their communities without financial strain.
