Food supply inspectors begin indefinite strike in Ludhiana

Food supply inspectors in Punjab began an indefinite strike on Wednesday, protesting delays in resolving service-related issues including salary recoveries, non-payment of allowances, and lack of basic material for handling food grain stocks. The Inspectorate Food Supply Association (IFSA) in Ludhiana announced the strike after repeated representations to the department failed to yield a resolution.

The inspectors' demands include stopping salary deductions over alleged delays in submitting documents, release of pending conveyance payments, and provision of gunny bags and tarpaulins for grain storage. The association said the department has not provided such material for four years, despite inspectors safeguarding government food stocks worth crores. It also alleged financial and mental harassment of employees.

The association has sought Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann's intervention through a memorandum submitted to the Ludhiana deputy commissioner. The strike could affect field operations of the Public Distribution System (PDS), including ration distribution and grain management. The association said the strike is a last resort after meetings with the food and civil supplies minister were repeatedly postponed.