Kerala Kaumudi impact: Ration distribution will not be affected; Rs 57.24 crore sanctioned for Supplyco arrears

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The government has sanctioned Rs 57.24 crore towards the arrears to be paid to Supplyco for door-to-door delivery of goods to ration shops. With this, the apprehension that the ration distribution will stop next month has been dismissed.

Three months' dues are pending for the transporting contractors who are the doorstep suppliers. The food department informed that the amount for two months will be paid soon. The contractors' association had decided that the ration goods would not be delivered if the dues were not paid.

'Kerala Kaumudi' had reported on the 21st that the ration may be stalled.

The door-to-door cost for one month including vehicle contractors, godown rent and labour charges is 21 crores. The distribution of rations had slowed down as the arrears increased. The stock of rice in the ration shops reduced and the cardholders did not get their full share. Steps were accelerated when this was reported by Kerala Kaumudi on the 22nd. It was decided to allocate the amount to Supplyco before the cabinet meeting on Friday itself.

Decision to strike

A meeting of contractors in Kochi today had decided to stop the supply of doorsteps from June 1 if the dues are not paid. The decision was to declare a strike from tomorrow. Yusuf, Joint Secretary of Kerala Transporting Contractors Association, said that they will not declare a strike if the sanctioning of the amount is officially announced.

317 crores outstanding

• 317 crores is to be paid by the government to Supplyco as door-to-door distribution cost
• What Supplyco spent was the turnover at outlets
• Supplyco demands that they should get this entire amount