A large number of undeserving persons have made their way to the priority category in the public distribution system of many states. Kerala is one of the states that strictly implemented the Centre's directive to find such persons and eliminate them from the priority list. Kerala was able to remove two lakh undeserving cardholders from the priority list. No other state has implemented the Centre's directive in such an effective manner. Kerala is the first state to complete the scheme of linking ration cards with Aadhaar. According to the current ration card Aadhaar seeding data, there are 3,49,29,589 beneficiaries in the state. Accordingly, the Centre should increase the number of priority cards in Kerala. Despite repeated requests, the Centre has not listened to the state's demand to increase the priority cards. At least seven lakh priority cards should be issued to the state in addition. If this is not provided, there will be a reduction in the rice allocation that Kerala should get.

Food Minister GR Anil has pointed out that Kerala has faced another setback along with this. In December, the Centre suddenly stopped the free distribution of five kilos of food grains for under the PMGKAY scheme implemented in the country from April 2020. Instead, it was stated that rice and wheat, which were formerly provided for Rs 3 and Rs 2, respectively, would henceforth be provided free to priority cardholders. Kerala became one of the worst-hit states when the Centre reversed such a decision and implemented another. The Minister of Food Department has demanded that the Centre should urgently increase the rice allocation given to Kerala as this action has had a very harmful effect on the state which is lagging behind in production. This is a perfectly reasonable requirement.

The reduction in rice allocation coupled with the limited number of priority cards allotted to Kerala has effectively turned into a huge blow for the state. Kerala is one of the states with the largest export of spices and other cash crops. Through this, the central government earns a large amount of foreign exchange. Considering this situation, it should give special consideration to Kerala. The Centre should waste no time and take an immediate decision to avoid a situation where the reduction of Kerala's rice allocation adversely affects the public distribution system here. Under the leadership of the Chief Minister, steps should also be taken to bring this matter to the attention of the Prime Minister.