THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: 800 shop owners submitted applications within three days for K-Store (Kerala Store) which will transform ration shops into smart service centers.

The K-Store offers Supplyco outlets, Milma booths, e-services and mini ATMs at the ration shop. In the first phase, applications were invited for 1,000 stores in rural areas.On May 12, Kerala Kaumudi had given the news that the project will be implemented soon. Following this, the Civil Supplies Department decided to invite applications after the shop owners expressed interest.

The K-Store needs a room of 350-500 square feet. Loans of up to Rs 2 lakh will be given to enlarge existing ration shops. SBI and Bank of Baroda have agreed to lend at 5% interest. There will be a government subsidy of 2-2.5 per cent on interest. The initiative would provide more income and job oppurtunities.