Thiruvananthapuram (Kerala): Kerala Minister for Food and Civil Supplies Minister GR Anil on Wednesday said that no decision has been taken to stop free food kit distribution in the state. Though the government is facing some financial crisis and it also affects kits distribution, the free ration service will continue for the time being.
'Opinion arises from several parts saying that free food kits need to be given to only priority categories. Yet, the government is considering everyone as same,' said the minister.
The government started distributing free kits during the Covid induced lockdown amid Covid. However, after the relaxations, the authorities were mulling to halt the distribution of the kits.
The Department of Finance had also informed the Food and Civil Supplies Department that the distribution of kits is tough as the state is going through an extreme financial crisis, yet, the Food and Civil Supplies Department asked to continue with free kit delivery to at least those who are below the poverty line.
Though the Finance department told Food and Civil Supplies officials to halt the project during the Onam period, Kerala however decided to give free kits to all.
The kit has been distributed 13 times so far in the state. The government spent Rs 5,200 crore on 11 crore kits that had been given to the state. As the government faces a severe financial crisis, the cabinet meeting to be convened today will further discuss the matter.
