THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Subhiksha hotels will provide lunches in all the constituencies in the state at Rs 20. The government will also launch ATM facilities for cash withdrawals at 1,000 ration shops in rural areas. These are the schemes implemented by the Food Department as part of the Government's 100 Day plan.

While the first Pinarayi government gained popularity through food kits, the second Pinarayi government is extending its service to the common man through smart ration shops.

It was decided in the discussions between the civil supplies officials and the banks to include the banking transactions in the e-pos machines in the ration shops in the rural areas where banking facilities are less. The existing ration card will be replaced by a smart card that connects to the bank by attaching a chip similar to the one on an ATM card. The ATM service will be implemented in collaboration with SBI and Bank of Baroda. Training for this will be given to the ration shop licensees. The commission for each transaction will be credited to the licensee's account.

Other services in smart shops

Pay electricity bills and water bills

Ration shops in villages with no Maveli stores will become small Maveli stores.

Supplyco will deliver the products here. The merchant will receive a commission.

Popular 'Subiksha'

Subiksha is being started in all constituencies in view of the acceptance it has received for the five hotels that have already started. The government will provide a subsidy of Rs 5 for a meal of Rs 20. In the first phase, Subiksha hotels will be opened in 14 district centers and then in 140 constituencies.

Functioning

Supplyco rice for hotels at Rs 10.90 per kg

Provisions will be provided at cheaper rates

Kudumbasree, women's groups and co-operative societies are responsible for running the hotels