Centre Refuses Onam Rice to Kerala; State Govt Fights Back with Own Public Supply

Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala State Government has decided to purchase rice directly from the open market and distribute it to the public at lower prices, following the Central Government’s refusal to allot rice for Onam. The move is part of efforts to control rising food prices during the festive season.
Food and Civil Supplies Minister G. R. Anil informed the media that special packets of Chembavu and Puzhukkalari rice will be released through Supplyco at subsidised rates. Additional quantities of rice will also be given to white and blue cardholders through the ration distribution network. The Minister added that if the Food Corporation of India (FCI) provides good-quality rice at Rs 22 per kg under the Open Market Sale Scheme (OMSS), it will also be included in Supplyco’s distribution.
At present, Supplyco sells raw rice at Rs 29 per kilogram and K-Rice at Rs 33 per kilogram. The government plans to offer rice at even lower prices in the coming days. The Food Department Secretary has been directed to take the necessary steps for implementation.
The Minister said the state’s intervention is part of its continued commitment to ensure food availability for the people, especially during festival times. “The LDF government will not leave the people behind during any crisis. Even if we have to buy rice at higher rates from the open market, we will ensure it reaches people at a lower price,” he said.
Earlier, Minister Anil had met Union Food Minister Prahlad Joshi in Delhi and requested the allotment of five kilograms of rice each for non-priority ration cardholders for Onam. The request was rejected, with the Union Minister stating that no subsidy would be provided and that people in Kerala are financially capable of buying food grains.