Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has announced an increase in the commission paid to ration dealers from ₹90 to ₹125 per quintal. The ₹35-per-quintal hike will benefit more than 78,000 ration dealers across the state.
Speaking at an event at Lok Bhavan, Yogi Adityanath said ration dealers were viewed with suspicion before 2017 and did not receive the respect they deserved. He said that although corruption in the system was committed by others, ration dealers often faced the consequences.
Ration Dealers’ Commission Increased from ₹90 to ₹125
The revised commission structure will increase the earnings of ration dealers across Uttar Pradesh.
The state government has also approached the Centre for an additional ₹25-per-quintal increase. If approved, the total commission will reach ₹150 per quintal.
Key Highlights
- Existing commission: ₹90 per quintal
- Revised commission: ₹125 per quintal
- Increase: ₹35 per quintal
- Beneficiaries: More than 78,000 ration dealers
- Additional increase sought: ₹25 per quintal
- Proposed commission after approval: ₹150 per quintal
Yogi also praised ration dealers for continuing to distribute foodgrains during the COVID-19 pandemic, including under schemes that provided pulses, salt and cooking oil.
Read also: Eastern UP’s Youth Power Driving Development as Region Emerges as Economic Hub: CM Yogi Adityanath
Ration Shops to Become Annapurna Centres
The Uttar Pradesh government is developing ration shops into Annapurna centres to expand the business opportunities available to ration dealers.
The government has allocated ₹500 crore for the initiative. These centres will include both shops and warehouses.
Earlier, ration dealers were primarily allowed to sell ration. Under the new system, they will be permitted to sell 39 types of items, creating additional opportunities to earn income.
The Chief Minister said the government has also written to the Centre seeking the additional ₹25-per-quintal increase.
New e-POS Feedback System Launched
A new e-POS feedback system has also been launched for ration dealers.
The digital system will allow dealers to directly send their views and feedback to the government regarding ration supply and distribution.
e-POS System Benefits
- Digital submission of dealer feedback
- Direct communication with the government
- Feedback on ration supply and distribution
- Greater use of technology in the public distribution system
Monthly Earnings of Ration Dealers to Rise
Yogi Adityanath said the increase in commission would directly improve the monthly earnings of ration dealers.
According to the figures cited by the Chief Minister, a dealer distributing around 100 quintals of ration per month previously earned approximately ₹12,750. Under the revised arrangement, the earnings will rise to around ₹16,250.
Dealers can also earn additional profits by selling other products through the expanded Annapurna centre model.
The Chief Minister said around 15 crore people in Uttar Pradesh currently receive free ration.
Yogi Highlights Education Infrastructure Reforms
Yogi Adityanath also highlighted the government’s initiatives in the education sector.
He said basic infrastructure in government schools has been improved under Operation Kayakalp, including:
- Flooring
- Drinking water facilities
- Smart classrooms
- Furniture
- Other basic infrastructure
Around 1.60 crore children are being provided with essential educational items, including:
- School bags
- Books
- Uniforms
- Shoes
- Socks
- Sweaters
Yogi also claimed that before 2017, many schools lacked proper buildings and teachers, while in some cases teachers were present but students were not.
Government Highlights Changes in Foodgrain Procurement
On foodgrain procurement, Yogi Adityanath alleged that widespread irregularities before 2017 prevented farmers from receiving the full benefit of the Minimum Support Price (MSP).
He said the government now purchases foodgrains directly from farmers and transfers payments to their bank accounts through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).
The Chief Minister also warned that money flowing abroad through illicit channels could potentially be used to fund terrorism.
Keshav Maurya Targets Opposition Ahead of 2027 Polls
Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya said the BJP government has followed the principle of serving both people who voted for it and those who did not.
Referring to the 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections, Maurya said the Election Commission could announce the polls in early 2027, although he said he did not know the exact timing.
He questioned the opposition’s contribution to the construction of the Ram temple and criticised the previous Samajwadi Party government.
Maurya said Uttar Pradesh had undergone significant change and sought support for the BJP ahead of the 2027 elections.
He also remarked that those who did not raise their hands in support of the BJP would be assumed to support the Samajwadi Party.
Maurya said, “I do not think that Gram Sabha elections are going to be held before the Assembly elections.”
Brajesh Pathak Urges Voters to Focus on Development
Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak alleged that ration distribution was highly irregular before 2017 and claimed that only a portion of the allocated foodgrains reached beneficiaries.
He said ration dealers are now receiving permanent shops and highlighted improvements in:
- Roads
- Electricity
- Water supply
- Education
- Ration distribution
Pathak also said ration shops can now sell a wider range of goods, giving dealers additional opportunities to increase their income.
On law and order, he claimed that the situation had improved under the current government compared with the previous period.
He urged voters to make their choice based on development and the government’s work, rather than religion, caste or neighbourhood.
Food Minister Claims Major Improvement in Ration Distribution
Food and Civil Supplies Minister Manoj Kumar Pandey claimed that only 20% of ration was distributed to beneficiaries before 2017, while 80% allegedly reached the black market.
He said foodgrain distribution has increased from 23 lakh metric tonnes to 90 lakh metric tonnes.
Pandey also highlighted measures to improve ration access for people who are unable to travel to ration shops, including people with disabilities and visual impairments. According to him, such beneficiaries can receive ration supplies at home.
Key Claims on Ration Distribution
- Foodgrain distribution increased from 23 lakh MT to 90 lakh MT
- Home delivery facilities available for certain beneficiaries unable to visit ration shops
- Improved access to MSP for farmers
- Decline in reports of starvation deaths in Bundelkhand, according to the minister
- Expanded access to ration for vulnerable beneficiaries
Pandey described the changes made in Uttar Pradesh’s ration distribution system over the past nine years as a major transformation.
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