HYDERABAD: The Government commenced the eagerly awaited big exercise to distribute ration card in rural areas all over the State on Tuesday amidst agitation by the 35,000-strong revenue staff who, however, matter for the massive work.

Seeking settlement of 29 demands, the revenue staff resorted to boycott of the ration card work as well as land acquisitions for irrigation projects and publication of revised electoral rolls on February 10.

The Andhra Pradesh Revenue Services Association said the staff would go on an indefinite strike from February 7.

MROs cooperate

According to information reaching here, the card distribution work went unhindered on the first day. Joint Collectors of districts who were entrusted with the task with dos and don'ts issued at a meeting here last week, have made their own local arrangements in the absence of revenue staff. Reports suggested that a majority of MROs are cooperating with the Government. Employees from other departments like Panchayat Raj have been shifted where there is staff shortage.

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