Ludhiana, March 6 -- Ration depot-holders in the city have raised concerns over being "unfairly burdened with hefty labour costs" for unloading wheat sacks despite the state government being responsible for this expenditure. They argue that with already low margins, bearing additional costs for offloading food grains meant for free distribution is placing an undue financial strain on them.

They allege that government-appointed contractors, who are tasked with transporting and delivering wheat to designated locations, refuse to unload the sacks at individual depots, citing accessibility issues in narrow alleys.

Roshan Lal, state president of the NFSA Depot Holders' Welfare Association, said, "These government-appointed contractors receiv...