Thiruvananthapuram: Onam is around the corner and people visiting Supplyco outlets in the state have been facing issues due to deficient stock of essential items. 

Food minister GR Anil had earlier promised that Supplyco will stock essential items in sufficient quantities at stores by August 10. He also maintained that measures are in place for procuring the products. 

Currently, there is an evident shortage of chickpeas, cowpeas red, and chilly in the outlets. Meanwhile, a few stores even lack basic items. Due to the precarious situation, the authorities were forced to request 2 lakh tonnes of rice from officials in Andhra Pradesh. They have also placed orders with the distributors for procuring 13 items (listed under the subsidy list) by August 18. It is learnt that stocks are expected to arrive with the onset of the ‘Onam market’.

Meanwhile, hands are being pointed at the financial department for the miseries that Supplyco is undergoing at the moment. Earlier, the food minister (CPI) had earlier complained to the LDF about the secondhand treatment of his ministry by the finance department. Following this incident, the financial department had assured an aid of Rs 750 crores, which has not been paid yet.  The food department opines that the delay has further worsened the crisis situation.

However, the financial department recently transferred Rs 250 crores to Supplyco.