The North Korean authorities have once again given notice that the state distribution of rations will be normalized. According to internal Party documentation, the move will happen in September this year. However, local people are greeting the claim with great circumspection.
According to a source, the document explained, “Now we have risen to the level of a nuclear-possessing powerful state, from September we will normalize distribution to all work units.” He believes the authorities plan to meet the obligation by distributing the contents of “No.2” grain stores, which were originally intended for distribution in times of war.
Under the so-called ‘byungjin line’, which the Chosun Workers’ Party Central Committee adopted during a plenary session in late March, budget previously used for conventional arms procurement is able to be invested in the wider ‘People’s Economy’. Thereafter, at the start of April the state gave 4.5kg of grains to workers in North Hamkyung and Yangkang provinces, and 2kg to each dependent family member.
The source explained, “It seems that the lecture basically meant that ‘We are a nuclear-possessing state now so from this moment on we won’t need military rice’. I think they just plan to take the rice for rations from the No.2 Stores.”
“Rations have been already been expanded to include some factories,” he asserted, “but not everyone. Though now word is spreading, causing the price of rice to fall in the market.”
However, ordinary people are doubtful about the official claim, and, while they welcome the delivery of any and all rations, most doubt that the situation can persist. Previous promises to normalize rations, in 2005 and again in 2011, were not kept.
“The people at the top are saying that there will be normal rations now,” the source said, “but most people are just hopeful that the situation right now can be maintained. Though some are hopeful that the situation will get better given that the authorities mentioned a specific date.”
The rice price in Musan, North Hamkyung Province has fallen 700 won in the last week or so, to around 6,000 won per kilo. The source agreed that the reason for the fall is likely to have been the distribution of rations in the area.
