10 kg rice for Onam if centre says 'yes'; Onam kit only for yellow card holders

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Non-priority category blue and white card holders will get 10 kg of special rice for Onam if the central government gives approval.

Minister GR Anil had submitted a petition to Union Food Minister Pralhad Joshi seeking to increase the state rice quota to give 10 kg rice to blue and white card holders for Onam. Considering it, the Union Minister had directed the concerned officials to make necessary arrangements. However, no action was taken. Minister GR Anil will meet the Union Minister once again to remind him about this.

Centre allocates rations on a monthly basis at present. If the non-priority category people do not buy their ration, it will be reduced in the next month's allocation. The demand of the state government is to allocate the ration as an annual share. If that happens then more rice can be supplied during festival seasons. Otherwise, more rice should be specially allocated during festival seasons. If Kerala supplies more rice on its own, Kerala will have to pay Rs 26 per kg to FCI.

Onam kit for yellow card

Distribution of free Onam Kit will be restricted to Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) category members and inmates of social welfare institutions like old age homes, orphanages etc. Six lakh people will be benefited. Free kits for AAY groups, special sugar, rice for school children and kits for tribal groups will be distributed a week before Onam.

'Will approach the Union Minister again with the MPs of the state asking for more rice for Onam."

-GR Anil, Food Minister

Minister holds discussion with distributors

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Minister GR Anil held a meeting with the suppliers who supply the goods to SupplyCo regarding Onam market preparation. The discussion took place after the suppliers did not cooperate with Supplyco's tender process with over Rs 650 crore dues.

The suppliers said that they are owed crores of rupees. They also stated that they cannot proceed without the government clearing their dues. The Finance Department has sanctioned Rs 100 crore for market intervention. The food department is demanding at least 500 crores. Minister Anil will bring the demands of the suppliers to the attention of the Finance Department.