Financial crisis: Onam kits likely to be distributed for yellow card holders only

Alappuzha: Kerala government is planning to distribute Onam kits only to Antyodaya Anna Yojana ration card holders (yellow colour) this year. A final decision in this regard will be taken at the Cabinet meeting scheduled for Wednesday. 

In 2022, Onam kits were distributed to 90 lakh ration card holders at a government expense of Rs 500 crore. The number of card holders went up to 93.76 lakh this year. 

If kits are limited to yellow card holders alone, then the overall expense can be reduced to Rs 30 crores (Rs 500 per kit) for around 5.87 lakh kits. If pink card holders are included, then the expense will plummet beyond Rs 200 crore, with the requirement of 35.52 lakh kits. 

“In earlier times, Onam kits were distributed to people belonging to all categories due to Covid-19 and other special circumstances. Due to the prevailing financial crisis, we are not able to provide kits to all. A final decision over the matter will be taken in the Cabinet meeting,” said GR Anil, Minister for Food and Civil Supplies. 

Meanwhile, the state government owes crores to Supplyco for the distribution of subsidised goods. As a result, Supplyco unlikely to take up the responsibility of Onam kit distribution this year.