<p>Bengaluru: The supply of rice and other food grains to ration shops across the state may be affected this month as close to 4,500 lorry owners who transport the essentials under the state government’s Public Distribution Scheme (PDS) have gone on an indefinite strike, starting today.</p><p>The lorry owners alleged that the government had failed to pay them since February and the dues had run up to Rs 260 crore. “We supply close to 4.5 lakh tonnes of groceries across the state and the government has not paid up for nearly five months now. This has made it difficult for us to keep the process running since we also have to pay for fuel and our workers,” G R Shanmugappa, president of the Federation of Karnataka State Lorry Owners and Agents' Association, told DH.</p>.Odisha to suspend ration cards of 20.58 lakh people for not doing e-KYC verification: Minister.<p>The vehicles remained at the warehouses across the state. If the strike continues, the supply chain is likely to be affected.</p><p>The federation members said that they had flagged the issue to the government multiple times and there was no impact. “Recently, we were promised that the dues would be cleared by July 5. But, they have not released funds,” yet another member of the federation said.</p><p>Shanmugappa added that going on a strike was the last resort as they could not bear the financial burden. “Many of us mortgaged jewels, and other household items to fill fuel and keep the business running. But now, we are unable to manage,” he said.</p><p>As the government has not cleared the dues, many cleaners and drivers have also not been paid.</p>
<p>Bengaluru: The supply of rice and other food grains to ration shops across the state may be affected this month as close to 4,500 lorry owners who transport the essentials under the state government’s Public Distribution Scheme (PDS) have gone on an indefinite strike, starting today.</p><p>The lorry owners alleged that the government had failed to pay them since February and the dues had run up to Rs 260 crore. “We supply close to 4.5 lakh tonnes of groceries across the state and the government has not paid up for nearly five months now. This has made it difficult for us to keep the process running since we also have to pay for fuel and our workers,” G R Shanmugappa, president of the Federation of Karnataka State Lorry Owners and Agents' Association, told DH.</p>.Odisha to suspend ration cards of 20.58 lakh people for not doing e-KYC verification: Minister.<p>The vehicles remained at the warehouses across the state. If the strike continues, the supply chain is likely to be affected.</p><p>The federation members said that they had flagged the issue to the government multiple times and there was no impact. “Recently, we were promised that the dues would be cleared by July 5. But, they have not released funds,” yet another member of the federation said.</p><p>Shanmugappa added that going on a strike was the last resort as they could not bear the financial burden. “Many of us mortgaged jewels, and other household items to fill fuel and keep the business running. But now, we are unable to manage,” he said.</p><p>As the government has not cleared the dues, many cleaners and drivers have also not been paid.</p>