The Civil Supplies department in Kerala is grappling with a staggering debt exceeding ₹3,000 crore,prompting calls for a long-term revival strategy . Anoop Jacob,the Minister for Food and Civil Supplies,revealed the alarming financial situation during a press conference in Kochi on Thursday. He attributed the department's mounting liabilities to decisions made by previous Left Democratic Front (LDF) government, which did not adjust the prices of 13 subsidised items throughout its decade-long tenure starting in 2016. This policy,he noted, has severely constrained the market intervention capabilities of Supplyco, the department's market intervention arm, particularly since the adverse effects began to m
Jacob emphasized the need for a comprehensive market strategy to revive Supplyco. He announced that the org
As part of its immediate priorities,the government will organize extensive trade fairs in Thiruvananthapuram,Kochi,and Kozhikode ahead of the Onam festival, which will commence at least 20 days prior to the celebrations. These fairs will not only feature subsidised items but also a variety of fast-moving consumer goods. Jacob stated that market intervention during the festive season is a critical focus for the government.
To ensure the quality of materials supplied through Supplyco, quarterly assessments will be implemented . Jacob also indicated that a report would be generated regarding political
Jacob reassured the public that Supplyco's medical stores will remain operational,with new locations planned to enhance accessibility. Additionally, a drive to provide priority ration cards to eligible beneficiaries is underway. The government aims to facilitate doorstep delivery of essential products for individuals unable to visit ration shops.
Efforts will also focus on addressing challenges in paddy procurement, with discussions planned involving mill owners, farmers, and other stakeholders to prioritize the interests of farmers . Enhancements in loan provisions from a consortium of banks to Supplyco will ensure timely payments to farmers.
In move to increase transparency, hotels will be mandated to display prices for the products they serve. Jacob noted that necessary interventions, including completion of a grading system for hotels that was left unfinished by the previous administration,will be enacted to prevent customer exploitation amid rising commercial gas prices.
