The All India Fair Price Shop Dealers’ Federation (AIFPSDF) has warned of a nationwide protest following reports that the Centre might introduce the e-rupee, or Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC), to handle ration entitlements. The friction stems from a concept note recently sent by the Gujarat government to the Union Food and Public Distribution Secretary, which outlines a plan to replace traditional distribution methods with digital food coupons. Under this proposal, beneficiaries would use a cashless, Aadhaar-authenticated system to redeem their goods at ration shops.
The proposed system would issue seven digital coupons per beneficiary each month. Two of these would cover central commodities, while five would be dedicated to state-subsidised items like Tur Dal, salt, sugar, and edible oil. While the government views this as a technological upgrade, ration dealers see it as an existential threat. Biswambhar Basu, the national general secretary of the Federation, also argued that this is essentially a rebranding of Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT). He believes the shift to a coupon-based digital system is a precursor to abolishing the fair price shop network entirely, a move the Federation intends to oppose "tooth and nail."
The dealers have set a clear timeline for their response. They plan to wait until the 2026 Budget Session of Parliament to see if the scheme is officially adopted. If the Centre moves forward with the implementation, the Federation is prepared to launch a massive movement across the country. Beyond street protests, the group is also gearing up for a legal battle, they will also file a special leave petition in the Supreme Court to challenge the concept note and protect the livelihoods of thousands of dealers.
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