The Federation of Karnataka State Lorry Owners and Agents’ Association has cited non-payment of dues for over six months as the reason for their decision.
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The Karnataka government’s flagship Anna Bhagya scheme may soon run into trouble as the Federation of Karnataka State Lorry Owners and Agents’ Association suspended rice and food grain transportation across the State on Monday. This move is expected to impact the delivery of subsidised grains to ration shops.
The association has cited non-payment of dues for over six months as the reason for their decision. Federation president G.R. Shanmugappa said that transporters involved in moving foodgrains under the Anna Bhagya scheme have not received payment since February.
“We are unable to continue in this situation,” Mr. Shanmugappa said, adding that all loading of grains at Food and Civil Supplies Corporation depots has been halted.
Further compounding their frustration, lorry operators who had participated in the government’s tender process were required to deposit ₹4 lakh each as earnest money deposit (EMD). According to Mr. Shanmugappa, the total amount due to be refunded stands at ₹25 crore to ₹30 crore. Additionally, even the loaders working under these operators, many of whom rely solely on this employment, have been unpaid for months.
The association highlighted that despite a meeting with government officials on June 19, where a promise was made to clear the dues by July 5, there has been no progress. The federation has now appealed to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar to intervene and resolve the matter urgently.
Published – July 07, 2025 11:54 pm IST
