Monsoon season: Centre rejects Kerala’s demand for subdised rice yet again

Alappuzha: With the monsoon season approaching, the state government is likely to face challenges in distributing rice grains to the flood-affected people. Kerala's repeated request for additional subsidised rice to fulfill its requirements has once again been denied by the central government. Instead, the central government has agreed to provide rice at the procurement rate from farmers, thereby ruling out the possibility of subsidised ratesThe central government decision will be a major blow to the debt-ridden state.  

An official letter on this has been sent to the Kerala government. With the decision, the state government’s plan to provide more quantity of subsidised rice to general category ration card holders has hit a roadblock. 

In the wake of the recent developments, the state government has decided not to rely on the centre's aid, for carrying out relief operations during this monsoon season. The officials of the revenue department have been instructed to procure rice supplies and other necessary items, required in the relief camps, via Supplyco and Horticorp.  

In addition to this, the state will have to find means to provide free ration to people living in coastal areas and others whose livelihoods will be affected by plausible incessant rains. 

“Kerala continues to face second-hand treatment at the hands of the centre. However that wouldn’t prove a hindrance in carrying out full-proof monsoon relief operations in the state. If the rain strikes us hard this time round, we will once again approach the centre demanding more subsidised rice,” said Minister G R Anil. 

It should be noted that around 89,540 tonnes of rice grains were distributed only through ration shops during the devastating floods in 2018.