6000 tonnes of wheat for the poor

Although many of the government systems that were introduced after independence have faded over time, the public distribution system in the country is still one of the most beneficial to the people. This system of distributing food grains to the common people for a nominal amount saved the country from many crises that could have led to starvation. In the past, there were constant complaints about the quality of rice, wheat and pulses distributed through ration shops. The situation has changed now. Ration shops provide the same quality food grains as are available in the general market. As ration shops also became smarter, people from all walks of life became consumers. People happily received the kits distributed through ration shops during the floods and the Covid period. Kerala has the most efficient public distribution network and system in India. Thousands of selected ration shops in Kerala will soon turn into K Stores or Kerala Stores, where banking transactions, Akshaya service facilities and a mini gas agency will be available apart from rice, wheat and kerosene.

One of the most important news we published recently was related to ration distribution. Our correspondent Kovalam Satheeshkumar brought out the news that 6000 tonnes of wheat was remaining stagnant in the ration shops in the state due to the absence of permission from the Centre. The report published on May 20 pointed out that the wheat would go useless if the food department did not take immediate action. As a result of the immediate intervention of Food Minister GR Anil in the wake of this news, the Central Department of Food and Public Distribution has given permission to release 6000 tonnes of wheat to the priority category yellow and pink card holders. We are also very happy that several lakhs of poor people will benefit because of our report. Wheat, which is priced at Rs 32-37 per kg in the general market, will be available for the yellow card holders for free and for the pink cardholders for Rs 2. The decision of the central government and the state government to intervene in this regard is commendable.