KARIMNAGAR: As part of their strike, ration dealers held a half-naked protest on Friday. They warned of further action if the government continued to distribute ration through self-help groups. Ration Dealers Association district president Rodda Srinivas alleged that dealers were suffering due to low commission. “We have been requesting the government to look into this for two years, but in vain,” he said.
State Women Wing Dealers president Vasantha said, “We are facing a lot of troubles due to e-pos machines. If the government bans those machines, we will call off the strike. The government should pay honorarium of `30,000 per month and pay old dues. If the government fails to fulfil our demand from July 1, we will intensify the strike with support from opposition parties, JAC and public organization.”
The protestors recalled that 12 ration dealers died across the state due to financial problems. Congress and Telangana Jana Samithi leaders extended their support to the protest. Keeping the strike in view, officials are making alternative arrangements to distribute rice and other materials through self-help groups.