THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The government has sanctioned Rs 386.23 crores for Christmas markets and to avoid shortage of Christmas ration. Finance Minister KN Balagopal announced that Rs 900 crore has been sanctioned for one month's welfare pension arrears.

"We have not been getting free ration wages from the central government for the past nine months. Rs 185.64 crores will be utilized out of the sanctioned amount so that the distribution of ration does not stop due to this. Rs 116.34 crore to be paid by Supplyco to freight contractors, Rs 69.29 crore as state share for free allocation to non-priority categories and outstanding Rs 13.62 crore will be paid.

By adding Rs 17.63 crore to subsidize SupplyCo for Christmas and Rs 1.34 crore for funding Consumerfed prior to Christmas will add up to Rs 386.23 cr.

62 lakh people will get welfare pension of Rs 1600 each, 1.52 crore people will get free ration and 90 lakh card holders will get goods at subsidized rates.