Ludhiana, Sept. 21 -- Ration depot holders in Ludhiana district, especially widows, senior citizens, and persons with disabilities, are facing financial strain after the district food and civil supplies department has struggled to release their commission for free wheat distribution for the April-June quarter, even after two months past the due date.

Ration depot holders said the prolonged delay has caused severe hardship, as many rely entirely on this income to run their households. They further noted that the payments, initially expected in the first week of July, are still pending, with no clarity on when the dues will be cleared.

In addition, depot holders said that even as the July-September wheat distribution nears completion, com...