Keralam CM dismisses reports about irregularities in distribution of free Onam kits

Keralam Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan has dismissed reports about irregularities in the distribution of free Onam kits provided by the government, terming it total falsehood. He said that the kit distribution is going smoothly and that 75,885 ration cardholders have already received their kits.

Addressing reporters here on Tuesday after the Cabinet meeting, Mr. Satheesan said that the government has readied 6,02,609 Onam kits for distribution even though only 5.93 lakh kits are required. So far, 3,06,092 kits have been delivered to ration shops , which means that more than half of the total kits have reached ration shops for distribution.

Mr. Satheesan said that there is a widespread campaign that is being unleashed that Onam kits will not reach ration shops on time. However, kit distribution is right on schedule. He said that 13 essential items have been made available at Maveli Stores at subsidised rates. Ten essential items — including green gram, black gram (urad), cowpea, chickpeas, and toor dal– are being sold at subsidised rates which are lower than that of last year. All Supplyco outlets across the State have these items in stock now.

Supplyco has further lowered the price of Sabari brand coconut oil. Sabari coconut oil is now being sold through Supplyco outlets at ₹229 per litre, against the earlier price of ₹249 per litre. Ahead of Onam, the government is also providing people the option of purchasing the subsidised items for August and September together on their ration card, Mr. Satheesan said.