Question : Ration Dealers

(a) whether the Government has introduced any new scheme for the welfare of Authorised Retail Dealers (ARDs) in the country and if so, the details thereof;

(b) whether remuneration packages introduced to the ARDs in Kerala are low and if so, the details thereof;

(c) the details of the average monthly income of ARDs in Kerala;

(d) whether any commissions were given to ARDs who played a crucial role during natural calamities and Covid-19 pandemic by actively participating in food distribution, etc.;

(e) if so, the details thereon and if not, the reasons therefor;

(f) whether any compensations were given to the families of the 62 members in the field of ARDs who lost their life due to the Covid-19 pandemic; and

(g) if so, the details thereof?

A N S W E R
MINISTER OF STATE FOR MINISTRY OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT AND CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD & PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION
(SADHVI NIRANJAN JYOTI)

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(a): As per Section 22(4)(d) of National Food Security Act, 2013, Central assistance is provided to State/UT Governments by Government of India to meet the expenditure incurred by them towards margin paid to fair price shop dealers at the rate prescribed by Government of India. State Government of Kerala have informed that they have provided them an insurance coverage of Rs. 7.5 lakhs for a period of one year in view of Pandemic.

(b): State Government of Kerala has informed that they have sanctioned a remuneration/Commission package amounting to Rs. 18,000/- per month to the ARDs for the distribution of at least 45 quintal foodgrains.

(c): Further, State Government of Kerala has intimated that an amount of Rs.8500 is sanctioned to those ARDs having less than 45 quintal foodgrains distribution, as supportive price to ensure a minimum average income of Rs. 18,000/- per month.

(d)&(e): In Kerala, for distribution of subsistence kits during the Covid-19 pandemic period, they have been sanctioned Rs. 10,60,28,792/- as commission. In addition to this an amount of Rs. 1,000/- was sanctioned as honorarium for their services during the lock down period.


(f): No, Sir.

(g): Does not arise.
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