Thiruvananthapuram: The government stopped the distribution of free food kits that were a huge relief for people during the Covid times. Although the final decision hasn’t been declared yet, the government has taken a stand that there is no need to continue the distribution. Food kits will not be distributed this month. The Department of Finance has informed the Food and Civil Supplies Department that distribution of kits is difficult as the state is facing an extreme financial crisis and since Covid restrictions have been eased there is no need to continue.
The Food and Civil Supplies Department had earlier instructed that food kits must be distributed to BPL families considering the difficulties faced during the pandemic. The additional chief secretary of the Department of Finance had recorded in the file concerning the allocation of money for Onam kit that distribution of kits cannot be continued. This matter may not be reviewed by the ministry again. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan had earlier made it clear that the distribution of food kits cannot go on forever.
The distribution of free food kits was started in the April-May period of 2020. The food kits gained much appreciation and even people belonging to the high-income group bought the kits. This had also helped the government win the second election. The kits were distributed 13 times in total. Almost 11 crore kits were distributed. The monthly amount was nearly Rs 350-400 crores. A total of Rs. 5200 crores was spent on kits.
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