Nirmal: Joint Collector A Bhaskar Rao distributed cheques worth Rs 18.81 lakhs to 390 ration shop dealers in the district at his chamber in the Collectorate in Nirmal on Wednesday.

Speaking on the occasion, the Collector said from September 2018, fair price dealers had hiked prices from Rs 30 to Rs 80 and Rs 30 is paid for DD charges and the remaining Rs 50 commission has been released by the government recently, he said.

Civil Supply Assistant Commissioner Sudharani, Enforcement Deputy Tahsildar Raheemuddin, Dealers Union president Rajendar, secretary Moulana, dealers Narayana, Rajender, Vinod Reddy, Subhash Reddy, Srinivas, Chinnaiah and others were present.