Onam kit distribution for yellow card holders to be delayed
Alappuzha: The Onam kit distribution for yellow ration card holders will be delayed. A few of the items mentioned in the list have not arrived at the Supplyco depots yet. This includes toor dal, green gram, ghee, payasam mix, tea powder, chilli powder, and turmeric powder. Owing to the delay, the kits have not been prepared in several outlets.
Earlier, the government had announced that the distribution of kits would begin from Monday. However, they had placed the order for items including ghee and payasam mix only on Monday. There is a shortage of cloth bags in several stores as well. Meanwhile, the Supplyco employees informed that even if the stock arrives at the stores on Tuesday, it would be difficult for them to fill the kits and start sending them to ration shops by Wednesday.
This year, a total of 6,07,691 Onam kits will be distributed in the state. This includes 5,87,691 AAY (yellow) card holders and the 20,000 workers in various welfare institutions in the state. A total of Rs 32.7 crores was allotted for Supplyco for the purpose, and an order stating the same was issued on August 17.
Meanwhile, complaints have been raised over the delay in distribution of kits. It should be noted that the quantity of items in the kits are lesser when compared to that of last year. The list of the quantities of items in this year’s Onam kit was released by the government only yesterday. The kit comprises items worth Rs 461.60.
Onam kit 2023: List of items/quantities
- Sabari Tea: 100 grams
- Toor dal: 250 grams
- Payasam mix (Milma): 250 grams
- Milma Ghee: 50ml
- Coconut OIl: 500ml
- Sambar powder: 100 grams
- Chilli powder: 100 grams
- Turmeric powder: 100 grams
- Green Gram: 500 grams
- Pigeon Pea: 250 grams
- Powdered Salt: 1 kilogram
- Coriander powder: 100 grams
- Cloth bag: 1
Considering the Onam rush, the ration shops in the state will remain open on August 27 and 28. However, they will remain shut for three days from August 29-31.