Depot holders await commission for five months

Depot holders across the state have been waiting for their commission on the distribution of food grains for the past five months. Despite raising their concerns at various platforms, their payments have not been released, pushing many into financial distress.

As per information, there are over 9,000 depot holders in the state. In Karnal, there are around 600 depot holders. A depot holder explained that they received Rs 200 per quintal as commission on the distribution of wheat, Rs 1 per litre on mustard oil, and 8 paise per kg on sugar. However, no commission has been released since April.

They allege that officials only provide assurances without taking any concrete action. They also suggested that instead of asking depot holders to deposit full payment in advance for mustard oil and sugar, the amount could be deposited after deducting their commission.

Highlighting their plight, Surinder Lodhi, president of the Karnal Depot Holders’ Association, said: “Non-payment of commission is making it extremely difficult for depot holders to run their families. We had approached the officials, but so far only assurances have been given. Last week, we met Karnal MLA Jagmohan Anand, who promised early disbursement of the pending amount.”

He maintained that most depot holders had limited resources and were facing a severe financial crunch. “Due to non-disbursement of commission, it is not easy for depot holders to deposit the advance amount for mustard oil and sugar. We urge the government to streamline the process, as we are playing a vital role in ensuring the distribution of 5 kg of wheat per person under the National Food Security Act. The government must release our commission on time,” he said.

The association also raised key several demands, including fixing the sugar price in round figures instead of Rs 13.50 per kg, raising the sugar commission from 8 paise to Rs 2 per kg, replacing outdated POS machines with 5G-enabled devices, stopping harassment in the name of checking, increasing wheat and millet commission to Rs 250 per quintal, providing Rs 5 per litre commission on mustard oil, and reintroducing the rule of setting up a new depot after every 600 ration cards.

Expressing solidarity, the MLA said their grievances would be taken up with the government and resolved soon.

District Food and Supplies Controller (DFSC) Anil Kumar said commission was distributed at the headquarters level. “It is not only Karnal's issue, but of the entire state. The issue has been raised with the higher authorities,” he added.