THIRUVANANTHAPURAM : As nationwide lockdown brings lives to standstill, Kerala govt leads way for its people. All families will receive 15 Kg free-of –cost rice without distinction to the type of ration card they hold - blue or white.. The 35 Kg rice due to BPL cards holders will be distributed as usual. An additional kit containing rice, provisions and other essentials is also being considered for this category.
Food and other essential commodities shall be delivered to the doorsteps at houses where people are being quarantined.
The decision to distribute free rice and other kits where necessary, came about at a cabinet meeting held Wednesday morning. Essential commodities, apart from rations shall be made available through Maveli, Supplyco or home deliveries via panchayats or municipal wards. The govt is yet to decide on the delivery mode as distribution through ration shops could mean people flocking to these outlets.
In the meeting held today, the cabinet decided to change opening hours at civil supply outlets including ration shops. Ration shops shall remain open from 9 am to 1 pm and post the lunch break, from 2 pm to 5 pm.
The meeting also assessed that food stock required by the State are available with Civil Supplicos and Consumer Federations. The government envisages steady food supplies given that there are no restriction imposed on goods trains and cargo vehicles.
Incidentally, the govt had earlier announced payment of social welfare pensions in advance for the month of April and payment of Rs 1000 to people who may not be covered under the scheme.
