Supplyco empty of rice and other items; asked for Rs 500 crore; received 100

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: While the Food Department has written to Supplyco requesting Rs 500 crore urgently for market intervention, the Finance Department has allocated Rs 100 crore for Vishu-Ramzan fairs. This is at a stage where most outlets have run out of rice varieties, including Andhra White (Jaya) rice. The Food Department has instructed Supplyco to organise special fairs as they are available.

There is still about Rs 300 crore to be paid to suppliers. Many suppliers have stopped supplying rice and other items, as the promise to pay in instalments has not been fulfilled. With this, the Food Department has written to the Finance Department demanding Rs 500 crore out of the Rs 1300 crore that the government used to give in previous years for market intervention. The government has allocated Rs 50 crore to start Christmas fairs. Although fairs were held for the sake of a name, the subsidy business was in crisis.

Rice can be delivered by paying dues

1. Bring stocks of rice and other items by paying a share of the suppliers' dues.

2. Make the Vishu-Ramzan fair rich by delivering branded items. For this, invite sponsorship from prominent brands.

'Although the crisis facing Supplyco continues, the Rs 100 crore provided by the government will help in organising Vishu fairs".

- G.R. Anil, Minister for Food and Civil Supplies