Fair price shopkeepers end strike after talks:Govt agrees to raise commission from ₹1.50 to ₹3 per kg after successful meeting with association representatives

The strike by Gujarat’s fair price (ration) shop dealers has finally ended following a crucial meeting between state government officials and association representatives on November 4. The meeting, attended by the state’s Food and Civil Supplies Minister and the Minister of State, concluded on a positive note. Commission doubled to ₹3 per Kg The government agreed to a key demand of the dealers — an increase in their commission from ₹1.50 to ₹3 per kilogram. The proposal will be officially presented within the next 15 days. Following this assurance, the Fair Price Shop Association decided to withdraw its strike. 17,000 dealers were on strike over 20 demands Nearly 17,000 fair price shop operators across Gujarat had gone on an indefinite strike from November 2, pressing for 20 demands, including a higher commission. The strike had disrupted food grain distribution across the state. Earlier talks between the association and the Food and Civil Supplies Department had failed to yield results. Government’s positive response to key demands
Prahlad Modi, President of the Fair Price Shop Association, said: Today’s meeting was held in a positive and cooperative atmosphere. The government responded favorably to two of our five major pending demands. He confirmed that apart from the commission increase, the proposal to raise the minimum commission from ₹20,000 to ₹30,000 per month will soon be sent to the Policy and Finance Department for approval. Changes in quantity unloading rules Modi also stated that the government has agreed to partially revise the rule requiring biometric verification for 80% of quantity unloading by vigilance committee members. Dealers can now continue the digital process with offline signatures from two members, following the earlier method. Normal distribution to resume soon “The government has also accepted our request for assistance, and the matter will be approved by the competent authority soon,” Modi added. He assured that regular food distribution operations would resume shortly, bringing relief to thousands of beneficiaries. Positive mood among dealers After the meeting, there was a sense of satisfaction among fair price shop owners across Gujarat, as their key concerns were addressed and normal supply operations are set to resume.