Gamechanger move: 'Bharat rice' at Rs 29, no need for ration card

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: With the general elections around the corner, the central government has brought 'Bharat Rice' to all states at Rs 29 to woo commoners. The first load meant for Kerala arrived on Tuesday. The distribution will start soon.

The sale is through the National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation (NAFED), National Cooperative Consumers Federation (NCCF) and Kendriya Bhandar outlets. The rice will be available in 5 and 10 kg packets. NCCF will soon open 200 outlets in the state. NCCF Kochi Manager CK Rajan said that sales will be done through registered societies and private entrepreneurs. An online trading facility will also be provided. The rice is collected from FCI.

This central government initiative will be a big relief to states where rice prices have gone through the roof. In Kerala, the initiative is expected to be received warmly minding the stagnant approach of Supplyco that failed the public.

Supplyco used to provide rice at Rs.25. But since the government did not pay the subsidy amount, the business has halted for the last five months. There is currently a report in front of the government to increase the subsidy amount of domestic essentials to be distributed via Supplyco. Anyway, the implementation will be done only after the LS polls.

The flag-off ceremony of Bharat Rice took place in Thrissur on Tuesday. The average retail price of rice in the country is Rs 43.5 per kg. 14.1 per cent more than the previous year.

• Ration card is not necessary to buy Bharat rice

• People can buy up to 10 kg at a time

• Good raw rice was delivered on Tuesday

• Other items will also be delivered in the coming months

In 2021, free food kit was the main plank used by LDF to return to power in Kerala. Now NDA is riding on a similar tactic to rope in more votes for the upcoming LS polls.