Kerala Ensures Food Security Through Inclusive Welfare and Market Reforms

Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala government has significantly bolstered its food security infrastructure over the past four years through a series of targeted welfare and market intervention measures. As per official data, over 5.2 lakh new ration cards have been issued during this period, including for people without fixed addresses, using Aadhaar as the primary identification document. Additionally, 7,316 families classified as extremely poor were brought into the public distribution system.
In a critical move, the state absorbed the cost of rice distribution for around 57% of white and blue ration cardholders after the central government halted grain supplies to those categories.
Expansion of Public Services Through Ration Shops

The state's food department has modernized ration outlets, transforming 1,930 shops into “K-Stores” that offer additional services such as mini-banking, utility bill payment, Chottu gas distribution, and the sale of goods from public sector, agriculture, and industrial departments. Packaged drinking water is also available at these stores for 10 rupees per bottle.
Efforts to reach remote populations have been enhanced with 137 mobile ration shops now operating in forest and highland regions. For bedridden citizens, the government launched the “Oppam” initiative, which delivers food supplies directly with the help of autorickshaw workers. The “Hunger-Free Kerala” project has also seen the launch of 50 Subhiksha Hotels providing subsidized lunches at 20 rupees.
Price Control and Surveillance Initiatives

To counter inflation and ensure accessibility to essentials, 13 key commodities are being sold through Supplyco and Maveli stores at discounts of up to 35%. These rates have remained stable between 2016 and February 2024. Special markets are also operated during festive seasons to keep prices in check.
In a bid to eliminate misuse of ration benefits, the government implemented “Operation Yellow”, an inspection campaign that resulted in 5.27 lakh ration cards being surrendered or reassigned to eligible users.
State-Branded Rice Offers Consistent Alternative

To maintain affordability in grain distribution, the government introduced the “Sabari K-Rice” brand, priced between ₹29 and ₹33 per kilogram. The state covers an additional cost of ₹12 to ₹18 per kilogram to ensure accessibility. In contrast to the limited scope of the Union government’s Bharat Rice scheme, the state initiative has ensured steady and widespread availability.
Consumer Protection and Regulatory Mechanisms

The state has reinforced consumer rights by revamping dispute redressal commissions and setting up mediation cells in all districts. A monitoring authority has been created to regulate multi-level marketing and direct selling operations, while the Legal Metrology Department launched a mobile app, “Sutharyam,” to improve transparency and service delivery.