Food department in severe crisis; rice price likely to rise in state, says G R Anil

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Minister G R Anil said the state food department is going through a severe crisis. He also mentioned that there is a possibility of hiking the price of rice in this situation. After the state budget, the food minister had expressed displeasure over the non-allocation of required amount. Following this, the minister explained the crisis faced by the food department while talking to the media in Delhi.

‘The food department is passing through a severe crisis. Adequate consideration should be given to this in the budget. As a minister will discuss it. The situation is such that there will be an increase in the price of rice in the state. Not commenting publicly on more things. The problems faced by the food department will be discussed in the front and in the cabinet. Discussions will also be held with the finance minister to resolve the issue. The lack of government agencies in the Open Market Sale Scheme (OMSS) scheme this time will cause a crisis. Will ask the central government to change the decision,’ the minister said.

Minister Anil had walked out of the assembly without shaking hands with the finance minister after the budget speech to express his protest over not even allowing money for market intervention to Supplyco. It is also indicated that he and Minister K Rajan have expressed their protest to the chief minister.

Supplyco is in dire straits with a financial burden of Rs 2,011.52 crore due to provision of subsidized goods and arrears of Rs 792.20 crore to suppliers. Many items are out of stock at Supplyco outlets as suppliers are not supplying them items.