Thousands of fair price shop (ration) dealers from across Uttar Pradesh gathered at Charbagh in Lucknow on Tuesday to protest against the state government, demanding an increase in their commission and better working conditions.
The protesting dealers, representing nearly 80,000 ration shops across the state, marched peacefully from Charbagh towards the Uttar Pradesh Assembly. They alleged that while ration dealers in states such as Delhi, Gujarat, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh receive commissions of around ₹180–₹200, dealers in Uttar Pradesh are forced to work for a much lower commission.
The protesters also claimed that they regularly carry out several government welfare responsibilities beyond ration distribution, including assisting with Ayushman Bharat card registrations, farmer registry work, SIR-related tasks, distribution of polio and filaria medicines, supporting ASHA and Anganwadi workers, contributing to gaushalas, and participating in various public welfare campaigns.
According to the protesting dealers, they have repeatedly submitted memorandums and raised their concerns with the government over the past decade but have received only assurances without concrete action. They urged the state government to consider their long-pending demands and provide fair compensation for their services.
The Uttar Pradesh government has not yet issued an official response to the latest protest.