Thiruvananthapuram: Food and civil supplies minister Anoop Jacob announced that while the department set a target of issuing 50,000 new priority ration cards, it approved 73,024 applications, exceeding the goal by a significant margin.The beneficiaries who received the newly approved priority ration cards will begin receiving free ration from Aug 3. Jacob said that the department has posted a record achievement in the first phase of projects being carried out under the state govt’ s 100-day action plan.A total of 76,338 applications were received. Of these, 1,353 were returned for failing to provide sufficient documents, while 2,011 were rejected, he said.
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An allocation of 4,068 kilolitres of kerosene has been made. Jacob directed that kerosene must be made available at all ration shops from the first day of next month. “Renewal of contracts with delivery truck operators engaged for doorstep ration delivery is under consideration, and pending dues owed to them will be cleared soon. A fresh tender is being planned for Sept,” he said.Special rice meant for distribution will reach ration shops before Aug 10. He instructed officials to ensure smooth and uninterrupted public distribution during the forthcoming Onam season. He also urged them to work with efficiency during this period without taking leave. Chief minister V D Satheesan will inaugurate the free ration scheme.
