CM Launches Supplyco Onam Fair

Rapid Summary

• Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan launched Supplyco Onam fairs in Thiruvananthapuram and criticized the union government for weakening the Public Distribution System (PDS).
• He accused the Central government of not providing additional food grains during Onam, pandemic times, or Kerala’s floods.
• Kerala emphasizes equitable food distribution through welfare programs.
• Subsidised goods include:

– Coconut oil: ₹339 per litre (subsidised), ₹389 per litre (non-subsidised).- Rice: Extra 20 kg at ₹25/kg alongside existing 8 kg of subsidized rice per ration card.
– Chilli: Increased subsidies from 0.5 kg to 1 kg per cardholder.

• Supplyco has sold ₹196 crore worth of items in August as of Monday,aiming for record sales worth ₹300 crore by month-end to aid around 50 lakh consumers.
• The event was presided over by Food and Civil Supplies Minister G.R. Anil, with participation from Antony Raju MLA and others.

Indian Opinion Analysis

The launch of the Supplyco Onam fairs demonstrates Kerala’s commitment to securing affordable essential commodities during festive seasons despite criticisms directed at the Union government regarding food grain allocations. Such state-led market interventions can alleviate immediate financial strain on households, particularly during festivals like Onam that hold cultural importance.

The subsidisation strategy aligns with Kerala’s broader approach toward social welfare but also highlights dependency on consistent cooperation between state and central policies for long-term sustainability in public distribution systems nationwide.Read More