The market prices for essentials are skyrocketing. The public is simply clueless about how to push forward every day. It was only for the subsidy in prices offered by Supplyco that the masses found some solace. However, this solace of Supplyco won’t last long as the corporation is mired in a deep debt crisis.

The arrears left for the government to pay Supplyco stands at Rs 4389 crores. If the money fails to reach Supplyco, the awaited Onam season will go into disarray. An inexplicable hike in the prices of essential food items is presaged.

Supplyco was brought in to fight inflation in 2016, but the government still owes Rs 3000 crore of that time to the corporation. For different schemes of government, Supplyco brought groceries including rice but was not paid their emptied Rs 1389 crore. In the last seven years of LDF rule, Supplyco spent a wholesome Rs 3780 crore selling 13 essential food items at subsidy rates to the public. However, the government paid the corporation just Rs 780 crore for the spent Rs 3780 crore.

Onam is arriving. It is normal for the price of food essentials to go unprecedented highs during this time. Every time, the government used its trump card effectively as it was the timely intrusion of Supplyco that helped allay the price concern. It effectively added glee to thousands who visited such Supplyco fairs in the city. This food corporation ensured happiness to many families during the festive times.

Not just Supplyco, the government has arrears with many such corporations in the state. The central government cutting off loan limits also added to the worries. The government income and expenditure are in disarray with no proper plans in the cards. However, Supplyco warrants quick attention from the government more than any other institution. The corporation for years ensured the public gets over the festive season in all comfort without getting strangled economically.

And now, Supplyco has requested the government to expedite financial assistance of at least Rs 1000 crore or else warned about the corporation going to a standstill. For buying essential items, Supplyco spends Rs 200 crore monthly. Supplyco now has a Rs 400 crore debt with other distributors. If the debt remains unpaid, more such wholesalers will break loose from Supplyco's hands.