SupplyCo Stores Struggle to Provide Subsidized Items Ahead of Onam Festivities
As Onam approaches, the SupplyCo stores are still facing a shortage of subsidized items, causing concern among the public. The finance department has yet to take action, leaving SupplyCo frustrated as they have repeatedly extended payment deadlines. People visiting Maveli stores with ration cards are encountering empty shelves devoid of subsidized products.
Minister GR Anil responded weakly to criticism from the Opposition in the Assembly, regarding this issue, during an adjournment motion held yesterday. Among the 13 subsidized items listed at the Pazhavangadi SupplyCo outlet, only coriander powder, chickpeas, and coconut oil are currently available.
A similar situation exists at the SupplyCo outlet in Nedumangad, the minister’s own constituency. Until yesterday afternoon, seven types of rice, including matta rice, were absent from the shelves. While the Minister asserted that Supplyco stores should have 13 items, cheaper options like matta rice, chillies, and peas remain unavailable.
In Kollam town, the subsidized rice stock has been completely depleted, including varieties like Matta, Jaya, Kuruva, and raw rice. The outlet near the SupplyCo headquarters in Kochi has limited supplies, featuring only coconut oil, black gram, and Jaya rice. Notably, subsidized chickpeas are being sold at non-subsidized prices, with a half-kilo of lentils costing Rs 75.
Although the finance department has approved Rs 180 crores for paddy procurement and 70 crores for market intervention, these funds have yet to reach Supplyco’s accounts, remaining in the treasury. Unfortunately, even this allocation is insufficient to adequately address the challenges of intervening in the Onam market.
