Thiruvananthapuram: Due to the financial strain the state currently faces, only 7 lakh Onam kits will be distributed this year. It has been decided that the kits will be disbursed to five lakh yellow card holders, inmates of welfare institutions and 2 lakh differently-abled people.

An official decision will be reached on Monday in consultation with the civil supplies department. Out of the 93 lakh ration card holders, 87 lakh were given Onam kits last year. 

Although there were demands that Onam kits should be given to everyone this year, the financial constraints posed a hurdle. The government’s stance is that with the Covid crisis having come to an end, there are no necessitating circumstances to offer these kits. The final decision regarding this will be taken by the Chief Minister. 

Reports suggest that there may be one less item when compared to the previous year kit containing 14 items. Another proposed change is the inclusion of chilly powder in place of dried red chillies. There are also plans of including cashewnuts in the kit but no final decision has been made in this regard.

Once the decision is taken, ration shops are likely to begin distribution of Onam kits by August 20. 

Supplyco crisis continues

With Onam coming in two weeks, Supplyco continues to face a crisis as outlets still remain sparsely stocked. It is estimated that the stores will be fully stacked by the time Onam Market (Chantha) begins. 

Reports suggest that the economic crisis along with calamities like droughts in states like Maharashtra have affected the availability of goods in the state. The civil supplies department is discontent with the non-involvement of the Finance department despite Supplyco's financial woes being evident since the beginning of the month. 

They complain that apart from Rs 250 crores offered in the first phase, no other financial assistance has come their way.