Ration distribution to set new benchmark in Aug; 97 pc card holders receive food grains

Alappuzha: Due to timely supply of food grains to the ration shops, the ration distribution in Kerala is about to set a new benchmark in August. As on August 30, 88.14 lakh out of 90.87 lakh card holders in Kerala have received the ration items. That means 97 percent of the card holders have received the ration.

In the months of May and June, the ration distribution was at 94.3 percent and 95.6 percent, respectively. However, due to delay in the supply, the ration distribution in July was at 90.15 percent and many people did not get the monthly supply. However, the civil supplies department was able to resolve the issue in August.

There was a recurring trend in the recent months that the food grains are only supplied to the ration shops by month end. People who approach the shops for their ration in the early and mid-period of the month often return without getting the food grains. For many people, multiple visits to the shops seeking the ration have become an ordeal. The process used to linger to the succeeding months and the card holders had to wait.

Similarly, 84.10 lakh card holders received Onam special kit. Due to unavailability of items in the kit, the distribution got delayed in many places and many will not receive it as the designated time is over. Meanwhile, the civil supplies department has exhibited a proactive attitude by resolving the issue in August.