'Five kilos of rice per card', centre rejects Kerala's demand; 5676 kiloliters of kerosene allocated

NEW DELHI: The central government has said that it will not be able to provide the special rice quota requested by Kerala during Onam. Food Minister GR Anil informed the state that the centre has informed the state about this. Kerala had requested that five kilos of rice be allocated per card, but the centre has taken a stand that this cannot be granted. The minister said that although the centre has informed that it will not be able to provide a quota different from the usual, the state government will not abandon the people of Kerala during Onam.

The minister also said that the government will take the necessary steps to maintain the price of rice in the Onam market. Kerala had requested the centre to provide five kilos of rice per card. The centre has replied that it will not be able to help Kerala differently from the usual. The wheat that was stopped will also not be provided. The kerosene quota has not been available for two years. Kerosene supply was disrupted due to the withdrawal of kerosene contractors. Kerala government resolved the issue at the end.

The Centre today announced that the kerosene to be released will be released immediately. 5676 kilolitres of kerosene was allocated for three months. The deadline to acquire it was till June 30. The Centre has been requested to extend this till September 30. The Minister also explained that the Union Minister has assured that the demand will be considered.