Kerala seeks central approval to distribute stagnant wheat

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The state government has sent a letter to the Central Department of Food and Public Distribution seeking permission to distribute about 6,000 tonnes of wheat that remain stagnant in ration shops in the state to cardholders. The wheat meant to be distributed to yellow and pink card holders through the Prime Minister's Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKY) scheme is remaining stagnant in ration shops. The state government has demanded that it should be allowed to distribute this wheat to all types of cardholders. Kerala had suspended the supply of wheat through the PMGKY scheme in May after receiving a directive not to do so.

The state government intervened after Kerala Kaumudi reported the matter on June 20. The ration traders had approached the state government demanding immediate action by pointing out that the wheat may get damaged due to moisture and other reasons in the monsoon season.