Onam market; Supplyco's presence has to be ensured

Onam is the biggest celebration of Malayalees. These are auspicious days when family members of all castes and religions come together to celebrate. It is also the opportunity for Malayalees who go to work in different parts of the world for livelihood to meet their loved ones. Along with those who have money, those who don't have it also celebrate Onam as grandly as they can afford it. For many years, the state administration has been strongly standing with the people to make the Onam days as festive as possible. Price hike in the Onam market is kept under control through effective government interventions. The services of companies like Supplyco, Horticorp and KEPCO have to be specially mentioned.

However, the activities of these institutions have slowed down for some time due to the severe financial crunch of the government. Many stores of Supplyco which are supposed to help the people during the crisis are just open for the sake of it and there are no supplies available here. Kerala, being a consumer state, has to get most goods from other states. With crores of rupees arrears for the goods purchased, none of them are willing to deliver goods in advance. This is the reason why the racks at SupplyCo are empty. Onam is barely a month and a half away. Now is the time for Supplyco to step up for market intervention during the Onam days. However, Supplyco can come into play only if the food department gets enough money from the finance department. They got only 100 crore rupees when they asked for 500 crore rupees. The food department has no idea how to manage the situation with this 100 crores. Onam fairs are regular across the state. Stalls can be opened only if sufficient funds are available.

It is heard that even though the Food Department has informed the Finance Department that the Supplyco stores will have to be closed during Onam if they do not get enough funds, no action has been taken. Everyone knows that it is the financial crisis that is holding back the finance department. The government is in big financial trouble that it has to take loans every month even to pay salaries. Although the government's financial crunch is real, a way must be found to allocate sufficient funds to Supplyco for market intervention. It is the need of common people. At least to some extent, the common man is protected from the exploitation of the public market by the government's Onam markets. It is not a good idea to interrupt it. The food needs of the people are the biggest priority among the many expenses.

Traders in other states do not even respond to Supplyco's tenders because they are not sure of getting the money from Supplyco on time. There is already arrears of Rs 650 crore, which the government has to help settle. A delay in payment may be requested, but payment should be done immediately for delivery of goods in the Onam market. It is in this context that Supplyco has asked the Finance Department for Rs 500 crore. Kerala is facing a natural disaster like never before. Misery and suffering are on an alarming scale. This is also an occasion when people should come together and help the afflicted. Along with that, the grandeur of Onam celebrations should be cut down as much as possible. However, supplyco intervention in the commodity market need not be ruled out. Payment for that has to be made.