Keralam ration dealers seek GPS tracking of lorries to prevent foodgrain diversion from NFSA godowns

Workers unloading rice at a warehouse in Kozhikode (file image) | Photo Credit: The Hindu Ration dealers in Keralam have demanded the installation of GPS tracking devices in lorries transporting foodgrains from National Food Security Act (NFSA) godowns to ration shops to prevent the diversion of essential commodities into the black market and ensure transparency in the public distribution system.The demand comes against the backdrop of the State Government’s decision to install CCTV cameras in ration shops and integrate electronic Point of Sale (e-PoS) machines with weighing scales to ensure accuracy in the distribution of ration commodities. While welcoming the move, dealers have pointed out that monitoring should extend to every stage of the supply chain, particularly the transportation and storage of foodgrains.They have called for GPS-enabled tracking of all lorries carrying ration commodities from godowns to retail outlets. The system would enable authorities to monitor vehicle movements, verify delivery routes and identify possible diversion of foodgrains before they reach the designated ration shops. It would also help establish accountability in the transportation of essential commodities.The dealers have further demanded the installation of CCTV cameras at NFSA godowns to monitor the loading and dispatch of foodgrains. They said the weighing systems at godowns should also be linked with those at ration shops to ensure that the quantity dispatched matches the quantity received.According to T. Mohammed Ali, State General Secretary of the All-Kerala Retail Ration Dealers Association, the e-PoS machines at ration shops should be connected to the weighing systems at NFSA godowns as well. This would help eliminate discrepancies in weight and ensure that beneficiaries receive their full entitlement.The association has urged the government to hold discussions with dealer representatives and address the shortcomings in the existing distribution system. It maintains that installing CCTV cameras only at ration shops would not be sufficient to prevent irregularities unless the movement of commodities from godowns is also effectively monitored.The dealers have also raised concerns over the financial viability of ration shops, citing rising operating expenses and declining income. Nearly eight ration shops have reportedly closed in the Kozhikode city limits over the past three years, while more than 500 shops are said to have shut down across the State.The dealers have disputed the authorities’ claim that a ration shop generates around ₹30,000 in monthly income, arguing that the amount does not adequately cover expenses such as rent and electricity charges. They said it was high time the government prevented leakages, strengthen accountability and restore public confidence in the State’s ration distribution network. Published - November 12, 2026 12:32 pm IST