Kochi, 17 September (H.S.): The Kerala government is considering increasing the monthly rice allocation for white and blue ration card holders to five kilograms in an effort to attract more beneficiaries to ration shops and regulate market prices, Food and Civil Supplies Minister Anoop Jacob said.

Many non-priority cardholders were not purchasing ration supplies because of the low quantity currently allotted to them. Raising the quota could encourage them to regularly use the public distribution system and help the government intervene more effectively in the open market, the minister said.

The proposal was discussed at a meeting with representatives of ration trader organisations. Traders sought a reduction in the minimum monthly sales requirement for retail ration shops from 45 quintals to 35 quintals. Jacob said the possible loss in commission resulting from such a reduction could be offset by providing more rice to white and blue card holders.

The government is also examining amendments to rules under the Kerala Targeted Public Distribution System Act, which came into force in February 2021 as part of the implementation of the National Food Security Act. The proposed amendments include provisions for appointing legal heirs and transferring ration shop licences to salesmen.

Officials have been directed to expedite the file relating to the wage revision package for retail ration traders. The government will also consider revising the Ration Traders Welfare Fund and has decided to release ₹1.70 crore towards pending welfare fund arrears.

Jacob said complaints regarding kerosene distribution in Kollam would be examined. Plans are also being considered to expand K-Stores and introduce rural banking facilities through ration shops, enabling pension beneficiaries to withdraw money from their bank accounts at these outlets.

Officials will examine proposals to broaden Common Service Centre services and facilitate LPG distribution through ration shops. Under the Centre’s Smart PDS initiative, payments for supplies distributed to beneficiaries are expected to be credited directly to traders’ accounts once the system becomes fully operational.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman