Limited Onam Kit Distribution: 7 Lakh Recipients Targeted Amid Supply Constraints

Due to ongoing financial challenges, only 7 lakh Onam kits will be distributed this year. The plan is to allocate kits to 5 lakh yellow card holders, residents of welfare institutions, and 2 lakh individuals with disabilities. An official decision, in collaboration with the civil supplies department, will be finalized on Monday.

In the previous year, Onam kits were provided to 87 lakh ration card holders out of the total 93 lakh. Despite calls for universal distribution of Onam kits this year, financial constraints have created obstacles. The government’s standpoint is that, as the Covid crisis has subsided, there is no compelling need to provide these kits to all. The Chief Minister will make the ultimate decision on this matter.

Reports indicate a potential reduction in the number of items compared to the previous year’s kit which contained 14 items. Proposed modifications include substituting dried red chillies with chili powder and potentially adding cashew nuts, although a final determination has not yet been reached.