60kg free rice: Bulk ration distribution across Kerala; what cardholders need to know

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Kerala Food and Public Distribution Department has announced that ration cardholders can purchase their allocations for both April and May simultaneously. According to the department, April’s ration will be available from April 4 to April 30, while the allocation for May can be collected between April 4 and May 30.

This decision follows a directive from the Central Government to distribute three months' worth of rations nationwide to ensure food security amid the escalating conflict in West Asia.

Context behind surplus

The Central directive, issued on March 2, stems from a significant surplus of grains within Food Corporation of India (FCI) depots. This stockpile resulted from a combination of high domestic production last year and a decrease in international rice exports due to the regional war. While the Centre initially suggested a three-month distribution, Kerala has opted to provide two months' worth of rations at once, citing a lack of sufficient storage infrastructure to handle the full three-month volume.

Distribution details by Card Type

Yellow Card (AAY) Holders: Members in this category are eligible to receive a total of 60 kg of rice (covering the two-month allocation) entirely free of charge.

Pink Card Holders: Each member registered under a Pink card will receive 8 kg of rice and 2 kg of wheat for free, representing their combined two-month share.

Blue Card Holders: Blue cardholders are entitled to both a normal and an additional share:

• Normal Share: 4 kg of rice (2 kg per month) at a rate of Rs 4 per kg.
• Additional Share: 5 kg of rice (2 kg for one month and 3 kg for the other) priced at Rs 10.90 per kg.

White Card Holders: These cardholders can purchase a total of 10 kg of rice (6 kg + 4 kg) at a rate of Rs 10.90 per kg.

Atta Allocation: Both Blue and White cardholders will have access to between two and six kg of atta, priced at Rs 17 per kg.