Allocate funds to SupplyCo

Kerala is now in a predicament where the price hike is limited to political discussion. Common people are stunned at the extraordinary rise in the prices of daily necessities. As usual, the price hike discussion in the Legislative Assembly ended in a war of words and a walkout. The government will be reluctant to accept that none of Supplyco's stores have the goods in stock. The general market is trying to make maximum profit by taking advantage of this. The main reason why prices do not come down is that government intervention in market intervention is nominal. The government has no money to give to Supplyco. The previous dues also remain the same. With only two weeks left, it is certain that the Onam of the common man will be in the grip of a huge price hike.

It's been weeks since the family budget was thrown out of whack by the blistering inflation in the general market. People are in doubt that the hope that this situation will change at least in Onam days will be misplaced. Food and civil supplies, which have to come into the field energetically these days, are also waiting for the aide of the finance department. The government owes more than Rs 4000 crore as arrears to Supplyco. Supplyco is entrusted by the government to collect paddy from farmers, provide kits through ration shops, and distribute free food grains. There is also a huge amount to be given from the finance department for the sale of essential commodities at subsidized rates through SupplyCo stores. This has been put on hold due to the financial crisis. At least part of the arrears should be given immediately as the price hike is so extreme. The food department is preparing to start the 'Onam chanthas' (Onam markers) from August 18. In order for the markets to be active there must be sufficient stock of all the goods. It is not easy to ensure adequate stock of all items during this week.

The food minister and the government should understand that it is not only the opposition MLAs who are complaining about the lack of supplies in the Supplyco stores. This is the opinion of everyone who comes there to buy things. An officer-in-charge of the store has been suspended for writing down "no'' against the goods in the civil supplies board, which records the price list. It may be right that the 'No' board has insulted the government, but it is a reality. If there is no stock of pulses, pulses, rice and sugar inside the shop, what else will the employees do. There is no other way to stop the price rise during the Onam days except for effective market intervention. The finance department should allocate money for it. Price control is only possible if the government is willing. No one should shy away from this responsibility.