Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala government’s free Onam kits have been distributed among 5,06,636 beneficiaries so far. 1,01,055 kits are yet to be distributed. It should be noted that the distribution of Onam kits continued late into the night on ‘Uthradam’, the eve of Onam, up to 9 PM.

Kits will be distributed to the remaining beneficiaries on Friday. Meanwhile, in Kottayam, where Puthuppally bypoll is scheduled on September 5, permission for distribution of Onam kits was granted only around 7 PM on Uthradam night. The distribution was delayed as authorities were awaiting the nod from the Election Commission. As a result, only 500 kits could be distributed in the district so far. The remaining 37,137 kits will be distributed in the coming days.

In total, the Kerala government allotted kits to 5,87,691 AAY cardholders and to 20,000 residents in welfare institutions across the state this year. Those who are unable to collect the Onam kits on Friday will be given another opportunity the next day.