THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The state government is worried that the share of ration grains due to the state will decrease once the central government moves ahead with its centralized ration card scheme, ‘One Nation, One Ration Card’. When the food safety law was enacted in 2013, the amount of grains due to the state decreased from 16.75 tons to 14.25 tons. The government is anxious that such a situation might repeat now.

The state government will demand more share of grains as the number of ration consumers has increased. Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, which are at the forefront of grain production have been allowed 25.56 tons and 36.78 tons respectively. 20% of Kerala’s population are migrant laborers from other states. When the centralized ration card is implemented their food grains must be given from Kerala’s share.

The Civil Supplies department recently found that 7.31 lakh people in the state will get priority ration benefits. The state will urgently send a letter to the central government demanding their ration share.

After the food safety law was enacted only 43% of the total beneficiaries were included in the priority list by the central government. However, the state government says that it is not adequate.

Meanwhile, the All Kerala Retail Ration Dealers Association State President, Johnny Neloor, welcomed the centralized ration card.