Thiruvananthapuram: Minister for General Education and Labour V Sivankutty on Wednesday announced that four kilograms of rice will be distributed to all students covered under the midday meal scheme during Onam.

A total of 24,77,337 children from pre-primary to eighth standard will benefit, the minister said.

The government has authorised distribution from stocks held by the Civil Supplies Corporation (Supplyco), which has been tasked with delivering rice directly to schools. An additional 50 paise per kilogram will be paid on top of the current transportation cost.

If shortages arise in any district, Supplyco has been directed to arrange supplies from depots in neighbouring districts. The minister said the additional expenses could be managed within the existing transportation costs.