CPI(M) demands regular supply of essential commodities in ration shops in Puducherry
The CPI(M) in Puducherry is demanding that the government ensure a consistent supply of essential commodities through ration shops. The party also opposes the proposed transition to a CBDC-based food subsidy system, fearing it may undermine the public distribution system.
Why it matters
This highlights ongoing tensions regarding food security, the efficacy of digital welfare transitions, and the political struggle over public distribution systems in India.
The Communist Party of India (Marxist) has demanded that the Puducherry government ensure uninterrupted distribution of subsidised essential commodities through ration shops and immediately clear the pending rice supply from February 2026.
In a statement, party Puducherry secretary S. Ramachandran said the closure of ration shops from September 2015 and the shift from the free rice scheme to Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) had severely affected food security among the poor.
Mr. Ramachandran said ration shops were reopened through the Department of Civil Supplies on October 21, 2024, following sustained public campaigns and protests. While welcoming the reopening of the shops, the CPI(M) said that regular supply of subsidised rice, dal, wheat, sugar, rava and cooking oil, as reportedly assured by the Chief Minister, had not materialised.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in