Supplyco shelfs have begun to be restocked, most items available

Thiruvananthapuram: As the Onam markets are all set to begin on Friday, goods supplies have started arriving on Friday. The civil supplies department officials said that the goods such as pulses, peas and sugar became available in Supplyco warehouses in various districts on Monday.

Measures are also in place to keep a tab on the price rise. About 100 packaged items will be discounted during Onam. The civil supplies department plans to offer discounts between 5-50% and negotiations with the suppliers have begun. 

The goods arrived from Maharashtra, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu on Monday and this is expected to continue for the coming days. The civil supplies department also informed that only the stock of three or four items have been exhausted but this will be restocked by Friday.

As there is shortage of dried red chillies, efforts are being made to procure chilly powder. Minister of Food and Civil Supplies, G.R Anil told the media that re-tenders have been invited for black chickpeas (kadala) and red cow peas (vanpayar) that are currently short in supply. 

The civil supplies department is harboring hopes that the finance department will allocate a separate amount for market intervention. Although Rs 500 crores was demanded yesterday, it was not granted. The finance department has not made any promises to pay off the entire amount, however, it is prepared to offer an adequate amount for market intervention.

The Chief Minister’s office has not taken a decision regarding the Onam kits that will reportedly be given to only 7 lakh people, including yellow card holders. A final decision may be reached after the Cabinet sitting on Wednesday.