SRINAGAR: The Kashmir Trade Alliance (KTA), a leading trade body in the valley, has called on the government to urgently increase the ration quota under the Public Distribution System (PDS), citing growing demand and the pressing needs of the region’s population. The trade body said such an enhancement is crucial for addressing the basic food security needs of residents and stabilizing local markets.
In a statement issued here, KTA president Aijaz Shahdhar underscored the importance of enhancing the ration quota, describing it as one of the most pressing and longstanding issues affecting the daily lives of people in Kashmir. Shahdhar highlighted that the government’s immediate attention to this matter is essential to ensure that every household receives adequate food supplies, particularly in light of rising population numbers and increasing household needs.
“The enhancement of the ration quota remains one of the most crucial pending issues affecting the daily lives of Kashmiris,” Shahdhar stated. “Given the essential nature of this basic necessity, the government must take immediate steps to announce an enhanced ration quota that adequately meets the needs of our population.”
The KTA said that Kashmir’s socio-economic landscape makes the region particularly dependent on the government ration system. Factors such as seasonal fluctuations, market instabilities, and economic hardships have made the public distribution system even more vital. In such an environment, a stable and increased ration supply becomes a key element for ensuring food security and economic stability.
“The current allocation needs to be revisited in light of the growing population and increasing household requirements,” Shahdhar added. “A substantial portion of Kashmir’s population depends on government rations, and an enhancement is not just a demand but a necessity to ensure that our people can meet their basic food needs.”
The KTA noted that an increase in the ration quota would not only ensure adequate food for families but would also help stabilize local markets. In turn, this would provide much-needed economic relief to households grappling with rising prices and economic uncertainty. With a large portion of Kashmir’s population relying on PDS rations, the Alliance argued that the current quota is insufficient to meet the region’s expanding needs.
Shahdhar expressed optimism about the government’s potential response and reiterated the KTA’s commitment to advocating for the welfare of the public, ensuring that essential needs like food security are prioritized. The Alliance has urged the government to recognize the gravity of the issue and take swift action to increase the ration allocation, as it remains a key factor in improving the living conditions of Kashmir’s residents.
KTA urges govt to increase ration quota amid rising demand in Kashmir
