Supply Shortage Delays Onam Kit Distribution for Majority of Yellow Ration Card Holders

As the festive occasion of Onam approaches, the distribution of complimentary provision kits to individuals holding yellow ration cards has encountered a setback, with only 10% of eligible recipients having received their kits so far.

Based on the latest available data until Saturday, merely 62,147 out of a total of 5.87 lakh yellow ration card holders have benefited from the provision of these free kits. Dishearteningly, numerous individuals who visited ration shops in anticipation of receiving their kits had to leave disappointed due to the unavailability of supplies.

G.R. Anil, the Minister for Food and Civil Supplies, assured that the distribution process will be expedited on Sunday and Monday to ensure its completion. The delay has been attributed to the late arrival of crucial items such as Milma payasam mix and certain curry powders from the Sabari brand. To address this, directives have been given to procure these products from the open market and include them in the distribution kits. However, concerns remain regarding the feasibility of accomplishing this task within the limited timeframe of two days before the onset of Onam.

In response to the situation, ration shop operators have been urged to operate without the customary noon break for two consecutive days. While they have positively responded to this appeal, they have also stressed the urgency of timely kit supplies.

The distribution of kits to residents in welfare institutions has reached the halfway mark, covering 50% of the beneficiaries. Similarly, out of 136 Adivasi settlements, 50 hamlets have been provided with the necessary kits. Minister Anil expressed confidence that the remaining distribution process will be concluded by Sunday.