Nearly two months after the April-June quarter ended, 16,576 ration depot holders across Punjab are still awaiting payment for distributing subsidised wheat under the National Food Security Act (NFSA). They have also not received dues for distributing free ration kits under the state government’s “Meri Rasoi” scheme, leaving them to bear the costs while continuing distribution in the current quarter.Under the NFSA, depot holders are entitled to a commission of Rs 90 per quintal of wheat. For “Meri Rasoi” kits, they receive about Rs 3.50 per kit, though dealers say the actual cost of handling and delivery is higher.Karamjit Singh Arreccha, Punjab president of the All India Fair Price Shop Dealers Federation, said depot holders were effectively financing government schemes. “The rent, electricity and labour costs of this quarter are being paid from our own pockets. For the ration kits, we receive Rs 3.50 per kit but including unloading and labour charges, it costs us around Rs 5 to deliver one kit. We are effectively bearing the expense of the state government’s scheme,” he said.