Alappuzha: The Kerala Food Safety Department has restored the distribution of atta (wheat flour) for blue and white ration card holders in the general category. Beneficiaries will receive up to two kilos this month, depending on availability, at a rate of ₹17 per kilo. Additionally, NPI card holders in welfare institutions, including poor homes and orphanages, will receive a maximum of one kilo of atta. Distribution had been suspended for these cardholders in previous years due to low wheat availability.

Meanwhile, the rice quota for white ration card holders has been reduced to two kilos, following a shortage caused by the extra rice distributed to blue and white cardholders during the Christmas season. In December, white cardholders received 10 kilos, while blue cardholders received an additional five kilos over their usual allocation.

Doorstep distributors to strike

Ration doorstep distributors have announced a strike starting Thursday, citing non-payment of dues. As a result, rice deliveries from NFSA godowns to ration shops will be temporarily halted. Distributors have stated that two months’ arrears are to be cleared in full, with a further two months partially paid.

The Supplyco Managing Director will meet with the distributors this week to resolve the issue. If negotiations fail, discussions may escalate to the Food Minister. Officials warned that continued disruption could lead to a rationing supply crisis. With ration shops closed on Thursday and Friday, the January distribution is now scheduled to begin on Saturday.