Alappuzha, Kerala: Kerala’s ₹26-a-kg rice scheme, which sparked a war of words between Food Minister Anoop Jacob and former minister G R Anil, has proved a hit at ration shops across the state, with 16,468 tonnes sold before Onam.

The scheme was introduced after rice prices in the open market increased by more than ₹10 a kg. As the Centre did not provide additional rice allocations at reduced rates during the festival season, as it had done previously, the state purchased rice from the Food Corporation of India (FCI) under the Open Market Sale Scheme (OMSS).

The state bought the rice at ₹23.20 per kg and sold it for ₹26 after factoring in handling costs. The additional rice was sold separately from the regular ration entitlement.

The move had triggered a political dispute between the UDF government’s Food Minister Anoop Jacob and former minister G R Anil, who served under the LDF government comprising the CPM, CPI and other Left parties.

Anil, a CPI leader, had alleged that the UDF government had reduced the quantity of rice and increased its price during the Onam season. Jacob responded to the allegation and rejected it.

Interestingly, the Kerala Ration Employees Union, led by the CITU (CPM-affiliated), also rejected the former minister’s position. The union argued that selling rice at ₹26 a kg would bring more customers to ration shops and increase the income of ration dealers.

The scheme has since recorded strong sales. Of the 20,000 tonnes of rice initially brought in for distribution, 16,468 tonnes had been sold before Onam.

The Food Department subsequently brought in another 10,000 tonnes after 12 districts sought additional supplies. With only a few days left in the August distribution period, the department expects the remaining stock to be sold as well.

Beneficiaries with white ration cards, who have a lower regular rice entitlement, purchased the largest quantity at 7,898 tonnes.

Blue-card holders bought 6,206 tonnes, while pink-card holders purchased 2,341 tonnes. Residents of various welfare institutions also bought the rice, with 23 tonnes purchased by inmates covered under brown cards.

The increased sales have been attributed to the availability of rice of relatively good quality.

Blue, white and brown-card holders were allowed to purchase up to 10 kg, while pink-card holders could buy a maximum of 3 kg.

According to the Food Department’s assessment, open-market rice prices subsequently fell by up to ₹4 after the ₹26 rice was introduced through ration shops.

The department is therefore considering continuing the sale of rice at ₹26 a kg. The government is now considering the proposal, and the final decision will be taken by the government.