Ration Depot Holders in Ludhiana Face Financial Hardship Amid Payment Delays

Ration depot holders in Ludhiana district are struggling financially following a significant delay in the disbursement of their commissions. The payments, which were expected in the first week of July, are still pending two months later. Many of these individuals, including widows, senior citizens, and persons with disabilities, depend entirely on this income to support their households.

The district food and civil supplies department has failed to release commissions for the free wheat distribution covering the April–June quarter. As the July–September distribution approaches completion, the backlog of unpaid commissions has left depot holders scrambling to afford basic necessities such as rent, electricity bills, and groceries.

Paramjit Kaur, a handicapped widow operating a depot in Doraha, expressed her distress, stating, “I largely rely on this commission to meet my household expenses. Without it, I struggle to buy even basic groceries and pay my bills.” Kaur noted that with the festive season approaching, the financial burden has increased, dampening what should be a time of joy.

Another depot holder, Amrita Devi, echoed these sentiments, highlighting her reliance on this commission as her only source of income. “Two months without the payment has left me borrowing money just to manage expenses,” she said. Devi emphasized that despite their commitment to providing timely services, they are now left facing financial uncertainty.

The delays have been attributed to the implementation of a new payment module called Sparsh, introduced by the central government. According to department officials, the new system requires updated information from ration depot holders, including email addresses and bank account details. Technical issues and unfamiliarity with the new module have further complicated the payment process.

Despite assurances that payments would be cleared within weeks, depot holders continue to wait. A senior official, who requested anonymity, revealed that the introduction of the new system has created additional checkpoints in the bill clearance process. “Even a minor error now delays payments for all depot holders in the district,” the official stated.

Karamjit Singh Arechha, national assistant secretary and state president of the All India Fair Price Shop Dealers Federation, described the situation as unprecedented. “This is the first time we are facing such prolonged delays,” he said. Arechha warned that if payments are not released soon, depot holders may have no option but to suspend their services to advocate for their rights.

In response to the ongoing issues, Sartaaj Singh Cheema, the district food supplies controller for Ludhiana West, confirmed that sanctions for payment disbursement have been received. “The recent bills were sent to higher authorities on September 14, 2023. Once we receive their approval, the payments will be credited to the depot holders within a week,” Cheema assured.

The ongoing delays highlight a pressing issue for those involved in the public distribution system, particularly for the most vulnerable members of the community. As the situation unfolds, the financial strain on ration depot holders continues to grow, leaving many uncertain about their immediate futures.