Former Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy today alleged that the food distribution through ration shops in the LDF rule has collapsed for the first time in the state's history since statutory rationing came into force five decades ago.
"Activities in ration shops have come to a standstill even as prices of essential items are skyrocketing in the open market," he said in a statement here.
Chandy said the situation is "very critical" as the rationing system in Kerala has been crippled in the last six months CPI(M)-led LDF government.
Both the ruling LDF and Centre were busy trading charges against each other over the situation in the name of implementation of the National Security Act, which came into force in the state from November 1, he said.
"The collapse of the system is a clear reflection of the LDF government's total inefficiency," Chandy said.
As per the new Food act, 1.54 crore people in the priority list are eligible for four kg of rice and 2 kg of wheat per month at free of cost, he said.
The Congress leader said that as per Kerala government's decision, nearly 1.24 crore people in the APL subsidy category (previously Below Poverty Line category) have to get two kg of rice at Rs 2 per kg per month.
For 65 lakh people in the Above Poverty Line category, one family has to get 1 kg of rice at Rs 8.90 and 1 kg of wheat at Rs 6.70 per kg.
"Government had not been able to supply at least 50 percent of the ration for the last month till December 14", Chandy claimed.
He said that the supply special rice and wheat which used to be given for Christmas will be hit.
"This is for the first time that the ration system is in dire straits in Kerala," he said.
Chandy demanded that the state take necessary steps to resolve the problem faced in the sector by giving priority to food issues of the common man.
(Reopens MDS2)
Meanwhile, State Food and Civil Supplies Minister P
Thilothaman said supply of food items was going on in the state as per the NFS Act that came into force in November.
There were some problems due to strike by loading and unloading workers, but that has been resolved, he said.
Nearly 90 per cent of the total quantity of food items necessary for distribution for the month of November has been delivered in ration shops, he said.
The period for purchase of ration for November has been extended upto December 31, he added.
He also said the Aadhar number of 95 per cent of family heads have been linked to ration cards. The final list of beneficiaries as per NFS act would be published by January 15.
There would be changes in the present priority list when the final list was announced, he said.
The complete computerised ration distribution 'E-pos' system would be implemented on pilot basis in Kollam in March and it would be extended across the state by April next, he said.
