In Alappuzha, a dispute between a contractor and head-loaders caused a delay of five days in the distribution of food grains meant for ration. The head-loaders demanded additional payment for unloading the Taurus lorries, which can carry more than 300 sacks, while the contractor refused to pay. As a result, 1,000 sacks of food grains were abandoned in the lorries. The head-loaders argued that they had been receiving extra pay for this job for the past five years.
Free Ration Distribution Hampered in Alappuzha Amidst Contractor-Headloader Dispute
In Alappuzha, Kerala, the distribution of free ration to eligible beneficiaries has been significantly delayed due to a dispute between a contractor and head-loaders. The head-loaders are demanding additional payment for unloading Taurus lorries, which carry more than 300 sacks of food grains. However, the contractor has refused to comply, leading to a standoff that has left approximately 1,000 sacks abandoned in the lorries.
Background
The Public Distribution System (PDS) is a government-run program that provides subsidized food grains to Below Poverty Line (BPL) and Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) households. In Kerala, the PDS is implemented through Fair Price Shops (FPS) run by authorized dealers who procure the grains from the Food Corporation of India (FCI).
For the transportation of grains from FCI godowns to FPSs, contractors are hired by the government. Head-loaders are engaged by these contractors to unload the sacks from the lorries into the FPSs.
Dispute
The dispute in Alappuzha arose when head-loaders demanded additional payment for unloading Taurus lorries. These lorries, which can carry over 300 sacks, are larger than the regular lorries used for grain distribution. Head-loaders claim that they have been receiving extra pay for unloading Taurus lorries for the past five years, but the contractor has recently refused to continue this practice.
Impact
The ongoing dispute has resulted in a delay of five days in the distribution of food grains to eligible beneficiaries in Alappuzha. Approximately 1,000 sacks containing rice, wheat, and other grains remain unloaded in the lorries, affecting over 1 lakh beneficiaries.
Top 5 FAQs and Answers
1. Why are head-loaders demanding additional payment? Answer: Head-loaders claim that unloading Taurus lorries requires additional effort and time due to their larger size and weight. They have been receiving extra pay for this job for the past five years.
2. Why has the contractor refused to pay extra? Answer: The contractor argues that the additional payment was never authorized by the government and that it is not sustainable.
3. What is the government's response to the dispute? Answer: The government has acknowledged the dispute and is holding discussions with both parties to find a resolution.
4. How has the dispute affected ration distribution? Answer: The dispute has caused a significant delay in the distribution of food grains, affecting over 1 lakh beneficiaries in Alappuzha.
5. What are the potential consequences of prolonging the dispute? Answer: Prolonged delays in ration distribution could lead to food insecurity and hardship for eligible beneficiaries. It could also strain the supply chain and affect the overall functioning of the PDS.
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