Thiruvananthapuram: The prices of 13 essential goods provided by Supplyco at subsidised rates have surged by 35%, impacting millions of ration card holders in the state. This revision, reflecting market prices, marks a significant escalation from the previous rates, with staple items such as pulses, rice, and cooking oil witnessing substantial hikes.
The revised prices of subsidised goods at Supplyco are as follows:
- Black gram (Uzhunnu) per kg: ₹95.28 (old price: ₹66)
- Green gram per kg: ₹92.63 (old price: ₹74)
- Red cow peas (Vanpayar) per kg: ₹75.78 (old price: ₹45)
- Chickpeas per kg: ₹69.93 (old price: ₹43)
- Toor dal (Thuvarapparippu) per kg: ₹111.48 (old price: ₹65)
- Sugar per kg: ₹27.28 (old price: ₹22)
- Coriander 500g: ₹78 (old price: ₹78)
- Red Chilli 500g: ₹82.07 (old price: ₹75)
- Coconut oil 500 ml: ₹55.28 (old price: ₹46)
- Raw rice (Pachari) per kg: ₹26.08 (old price: ₹23)
- Jaya rice per kg: ₹29.46 (old price: ₹25)
- Matta rice per kg: ₹30.86 (old price: ₹24)
- Kuruva rice per kg: ₹30.05 (old price: ₹25)
GR Anil, the Minister for Food and Civil Supplies, defended the price hike, citing the financial crisis faced by Supplyco. Anil said that the increase was necessary to alleviate the company’s financial strain, stating that even clearing dues would not resolve the crisis. He emphasised that the crisis facing Supplyco necessitated either a price adjustment or the settlement of outstanding dues. The state government, therefore, opted to address the issue by approving the price hike.
The price hike has dealt a severe blow to the common man, particularly the 40 lakh ration card holders who rely on Supplyco for essential goods. Reports indicate shortages of subsidised items in many areas over the past six months.
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