1.54 crore people in state to receive free ration

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: With the decision to continue the distribution of free rice to priority cardholders till September under the Prime Minister Garib Kalyan Annayojana scheme, 1.54 crore people in the state will benefit.

The benefit is only for pink and yellow cardholders.

In addition to the usual ration, the central scheme provides five kilograms of rice per card and one kilogram of peanuts or lentils per card.

During the Covid period, the distribution of free groceries kits through ration shops was stopped by the state government after the Assembly elections. The Centre is continuing the scheme after assessing that the distribution of free rations has helped the BJP to gain power in four states recently.

Following Covid, the Central and State Governments started distributing free foodgrains in March 2020.

Vishu Kit undecided

The state government is yet to whether to provide free food kits to Vishu as it did last time. The Finance Ministry had earlier objected to giving free kits to the financially able.

7,74,002 quintals of grain reach ration shops in Kerala

Commission on ration shop owner per quintal: Rs 180

Total commission received by ration traders: Rs 13.93 crore