Centre distributing Bharat rice for political gain, says CM; Sabari K-Rice inaugurated 

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Wednesday alleged that the central government was distributing 'Bharat rice' just for political gain. The Chief Minister was inaugurating the state-level distribution of Sabari K-Rice. He said that Sabari K-Rice is an example of how the state will not back down from welfare and development projects even when the Centre denies it what it deserves.

"The state buys Matta, Jaya and Kuruva for K-Rice at a cost of Rs 40 per kg. It will be made available to the public at the rate of 29-30 rupees. Another five kilos of rice will be available through SupplyCo," the CM said.

"The Centre is selling rice Bharat Rice for Rs 29, which is being sold for Rs 24 by Supplyco and Rs 10.90 in ration shops. The Centre buys that rice at the rate of Rs 18.59. It is then sold for Rs.29. That is, the Centre is selling rice at a profit of Rs 10.41. On the other hand, K-Rice is being made available by the state by providing a subsidy of nearly Rs 11. Kerala spends 914 crores annually on ration distribution. The Centre provides only 86 crores," he said.

Minister GR Anil presided over the function. Minister V. Sivankutty, Mayor Arya Rajendran, Antony Raju MLA, Deputy Mayor PK Raju, Councilor Palayam Rajan, Supplyco General Manager Sooraj Shaji, Regional Manager Jalaja GS Rani also attended the function.