Considering extending distribution of Onam special rice for one more month: Minister
This move aims to ensure that more households, particularly those beyond the poorest categories, can access essential provisions during the festive season.
Kerala's Food and Civil Supplies Minister Anoop Jacob is contemplating extending the distribution of special rice provided at ₹26 per kilogram through ration shops and State-run Supplyco outlets during the Onam festival for an additional month. This announcement came following the inauguration of the distribution of Onam kits organized by the Thiruvananthapuram district committee and the Kesari Memorial Journalist Trust on Saturday, August 22, 2026.
The Minister highlighted that a specific brand of rice was procured from the Food Corporation of India (FCI) for distribution at the reduced price. The current stock levels of this rice are being assessed. Jacob mentioned that Milad-e-Sharif, a significant Islamic festival, will be observed on August 25, prompting the ration dealers to receive a limited holiday.
All essential provisions required for a celebratory Onam are being supplied through the Supplyco network. The government is also contemplating whether the Onam kits should be extended beyond the original beneficiaries, namely yellow card holders who fall under the Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) program, which caters to the poorest households.
During the event, KUWJ Thiruvananthapuram district unit president Schiller Stephen presided over the proceedings, with Anupama G. Nair serving as the secretary and R. Kiran Babu as a member of the State committee.
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