Financial crunch: Onam kits only for yellow card holders

Thiruvananthapuram: After weeks of debate, the Kerala government has decided to distribute Onam kits this year to Antyodaya Anna Yojana ration card holders (yellow colour) only. The decision to limit the beneficiaries came in the wake of a severe financial crunch faced by the state government. 

A state cabinet meeting held on Wednesday also decided to distribute Food Kit to various welfare organization dwellers. The kit will contain the following food items --Tea, Split Green Gram, Semiya Payasam Mix, Ghee, Cashew Nut, Edible Oil, Sambar Powder, Chilli Powder, Turmeric Powder, Coriander Powder, Green gram, Salt, and Toor Dal.  

Last year, 87 lakh people out of 93 lakh ration card holders received food kits in the state. Meanwhile, 6.07,691 Onam kits will be distributed this year, including 20,000 ones for those in various welfare organizations. 

The government will hand over Rs 32 crore in advance to Supplyco for Onam Kits.