NASHIK :
On the backdrop of some ration shopkeepers in the state contracting novel coronavirus, the all Maharashtra Ration Shopkeepers Federation has sought insurance cover for their employees distributing ration at shops. They have warned of strike and non cooperation to lift foodgrain at ration shops if there demand is not met.
In the present situation, employees of all the essential services are working relentlessly endangering their lives. A ration shop keeper is also among the covid warriors under the essential services. The ration shopkeepers are also distributing foodgrains to the beneficiaries risking their lives.
A panic is developed among the fair price shop owners that they could also contract this highly infectious disease as they come in regular contact with a large number of people daily. In view of this, the federation has threatened to stop rationing activities from June 1 if they aren’t covered under life insurance.
A letter has been written on behalf of the federation to the principal secretary, department of food, civil supplies and consumer protection seeking insurance cover to their thousands of employee. Earlier a similar demand was raised with guardian minister Bhujbal in the interest of ration shopkeepers, their workers and supply department officials.
The circular was issued on April 28 and the proposal to provide insurance cover was sent to the finance department.
The circular said, the fair price rationing shopkeepers are middle class employees having children and senior family members. Even in such a situation, they continue to distribute grains to the beneficiaries. As they are serving the citizens, such factors should be taken care of by the government.
