Kerala - Alappuzha   

`Government diverting rice to Maveli stores'

Staff Reporter

`The rice is meant for BPL families'

ALAPPUZHA: The State Government is diverting the rice given by the Union Government for distribution through ration shops to the Maveli stores of the State Civil Supplies Corporation, All India Ration Dealers' Association general secretary Babychan Mukkadan has said.

Mr. Mukkadan was speaking at a press conference here on Tuesday.

The rice was meant for distribution to below poverty line families at the rate of Rs.7.6 per kg and by its diversion, these families stood to lose, Mr. Mukkadan alleged.

He alleged that the Government had not implemented its promise to strengthen the public distribution system and distribute all essential commodities through ration shops to check the rise in price of essential commodities.

The promise to distribute wheat flour and par boiled rice through rations shops was implemented only at a few places, he said.

Mr. Mukkadan alleged that the Food Corporation of India had sold four lakh metric tonnes of wheat meant for distribution through ration shops to private traders across the country.

He demanded that the Union Government put a stop to this.

The Union Government should increase food subsidy in the Budget to arrest the rise in price of essential commodities, he said.

He lauded the Centre's decision to import palm oil and sell it through ration shops.

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