THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The distribution of special rice for Vishu in the state will begin today as the High Court has intervened and removed the obstruction by the Election Commission. About 50 lakh families with non-priority white and blue ration cards will get special rice. 10 kg of rice will be given at Rs 15 per card. For this, an additional half a lakh tonnes of rice has been delivered to ration shops. It will be available throughout the month.

Special rice is currently available for those in the priority category such as yellow and pink ration cardholders. Though rice was initially given to non-priority groups during the COVID period, it was later discontinued. In view of the festive seasons of Vishu, Easter and Ramadan, it has been decided to extend the distribution of special rice this month to the non-priority category as well. The Election Commission had earlier stopped the distribution of special rice in view of the opposition's complaint that this was to influence voters ahead of the elections. Following this, the state food department approached the high court against this and the permission was restored.

The distribution of special kits for Vishu started yesterday. The distribution, which was scheduled to start on March 25, was delayed due to the intervention of the Election Commission. There were 9 items in the regular kit. The Vishu Special Kit comes with 14 items. It was given to the yellow card holders yesterday. After this, the kits will be provided to the pink, white and blue cardholders.