Thiruvananthapuram: The distribution of Onam kits continued in PDS shops even on ‘Uthradam’ night. Food minister GR Anil informed that around 5 lakh Onam kits were distributed among yellow ration card holders and residents of welfare institutions. Out of this, 2,42,000 kits were distributed on Monday alone. The minister also said that those who have not received the kits so far can avail in the next working day.    

GR Anil expressed his disappointment over a section of ration shop owners, who failed to adhere to the government instruction to keep their ration shop open until 8 PM on Monday night. 

Earlier the government owing to the financial crisis had decided to distribute kits only among the 5,81,691 AAY card holders and the 20,000 residents of the welfare institutions. However, uncertainties shadowed over the Onam kit distribution this year, inviting widespread criticism.

The minister for food and civil supplies also denied rumours that special kits were distributed among ministers and other public representatives. He said that gift packets were distributed as part of the promotion of the new packing covers of Sabari products. Just like in the previous years, the covers came out in new colours, and also with a new emblem. The minister informed that 83 percent of the people in the state had availed ration for the month of August.

Meanwhile, KPCC president K Sudhakaran launched a scathing attack against Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan. “For the first time in the history of the state, a CM has handed out an Onam of hunger and grief to the people in Kerala. Pinarayi will receive the perfect ‘Onam gift’ in the Puthuppally bypoll,” warned the veteran Congress leader.