High Court lifts ban on Vishu markets; Consumerfed to provide subsidized goods

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: 256 Vishu markets of Consumerfed will open on Friday with the permission of the High Court. 13 types of subsidized goods will be available. It will work till 19th of this month. Purchase can be done by all cardholders.

Yesterday, the High Court cancelled the ban imposed by the Election Commission citing the code of conduct. Justice Devan Ramachandran's order directed that relief to the common man should not be prevented when providing daily necessities at low prices. The Election Commission had earlier blocked the opening of Ramzan-Vishu market with a government subsidy. Consumerfed approached the court against this.

The market will initially be launched in 179 Triveni stores and each major cooperative in 77 taluks. It will also be sold at subsidized prices in SupplyCo. Also, other items in Triveni stores are available at 10-30 percent discount. Consumerfed MD M. Saleem said that the subsidized goods are in stock. 17 crore worth of goods were stocked through e-tender even before the announcement of elections.

13 Subsidy goods

- Chickpeas

- Urad

- Peanut

- White beans

- Nuts

- Chili

- Coriander

- Sugar

- Coconut oil

- Jaya rice

- Matta rice

- Jasmine rice

- Broken rice

The verdict is comforting. The commission which gave permission earlier denied it this time.

- VN Vasavan, Minister of Cooperation

The High Court directed that Rs 5 crore allocated by the government for subsidy should not be allowed until after the elections. Vishu market should not be used for political gain. The commission can intervene if it is misused for political gain. On behalf of the Election Commission, Adv. Deepulal Mohan argued. However, the government claimed that a decision was taken on February 16 to start Ramzan-Vishu markets and Rs. 5 crores had been allocated for this. This amount can be released only after the election.

The court said that basically life issues should be given priority. It is important to remove the hardship of the people. This is the time when the common people look up. It is hot summer. No one has money. Even pension is not distributed in full. There may be reasons for that. But schemes that provide relief to the people should not be used as propaganda weapons by the government or political parties.