Onam Kit Distribution Schedule: Yellow Ration Cardholders to Receive Food Kits from August 23-26

Distribution of Onam kits is scheduled from August 23 to 26, as announced by G R Anil, the Minister for Food and Civil Supplies. This time, the food kits will only be provided to yellow ration cardholders, specifically the Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) beneficiaries who are part of the most economically disadvantaged group. The state cabinet, during its meeting on August 16, decided to restrict the food assistance to holders of yellow ration cards. However, orphanages and homes for the destitute will also receive 20,000 Onam kits.

In total, 6,07,691 kits will be distributed, catering to 5,87,69 Antyodaya Anna Yojana beneficiaries in the state. An upfront amount of Rs 32 crore will be allocated to Supplyco for expenses related to the food kits. The kits will contain items such as tea, green gram, green gram dal, semiya payasam mix, ghee, cashew nuts, coconut oil, sambar powder, chilli powder, turmeric powder, coriander powder, tur dal, powdered salt, and a cloth bag.

Due to budget constraints, the Civil Supplies Department has acknowledged that distributing food kits to all ration cardholders is not feasible. Last year, 83 lakh ration cardholders received Onam kits containing 14 items, including a cloth bag. The state has issued a total of 93,83,902 ration cards.