Ludhiana, Aug. 10 -- Ration depot holders in Ludhiana are facing financial distress due to a prolonged delay in receiving their commission for the April-June wheat distribution quarter. The payment, usually credited within 10 to 15 days after a quarter ends, has not been released since June.

With the free wheat distribution for the July-September quarter already underway, depot holders say they are being forced to bear operational costs from their own pockets.

Echoing his concern, Gagandeep Singh, a local depot holder, said, "We usually get our commission soon after the distribution ends. This payment helps cover unloading charges, labour, stationery, and electricity bills for the next distribution. But the department has not cleared ou...