Ration Distribution Disrupted; No Additional Rice for Blue Card Holders

Thiruvananthapuram: The Civil Supplies Department has withdrawn its scheme of distributing two months' ration simultaneously, following serious disruptions in the supply chain. The facility to collect April and May rations together was first introduced in April and later extended through May. However, the scheme has been rolled back after major lapses in transporting foodgrains from Supplyco godowns to ration shops. Despite the difficulties, 87 percent of ration card holders collected their May allocation. The central government had earlier permitted distribution of up to three months' supply at a time in view of the West Asian conflict.

In a separate development, the additional rice allocation for blue card holders has also been cancelled. In April, two kilograms of additional rice had been provided at ₹10.90 per kg, and three kilograms in May — both of which the state government has now discontinued. The UDF government has also raised the price of the popular rice scheme introduced by the LDF government, which provided 20 kg through Supplyco at ₹25 per kg — hiking the rate by ₹2 per kg. Distribution of June rations will begin on Tuesday.