Prahlad Modi, elder brother of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and president of Gujarat State Fair Price Shop & Kerosene licence Holders’ Association on Monday warned the State Government that ration shop keepers would go on an indefinite strike from May 28 in support of their demand for higher commissions.
“We are also thinking of resigning en masse and launching a non-violent protest on Gandhian path,” Prahlad Modi said in a letter addressed to Principal Secretary, Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs, Gujarat. The copy of the letter has also been marked to Gujarat Chief Minister, his deputy and Chief Secretary. When asked for how long would they continue their stir he said, “If they (Gujarat Government) do not listen then for life.”
Gujarat roughly has about 1.2 crore ration card holder registered with Gujarat Government. These include beneficiaries under BPl and Antyoday schemes. Of the total, 65 lakh cardholders come under the purview of National Food Securities Act, while 55 lakh have been declared void. These beneficiaries are served by around 900 fair shops across the State.
“The state has been seeking suggestions to help increase operating commission for fair price shop owners but it is their duty to see how the commission can be improved,” Prahlad said in the letter. “Through this letter we seek to inform the government that after 20 days, the fair price shop owners and kerosene dealers would stay away from distributing goods under PDS system and the responsibility of situation arising out of that of the State Government.”