THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: In the wake of various criticisms against the Kerala government’s extravagant ‘Keraleeyam 2023’ program, which is being held from November 1 to November 7 in Thiruvananthapuram, a group of tribal people requested boiled rice. They requested for boiled rice at the Kerala state Minister for Food, GR Anil.
The tribal population from Thodupuzha in Idukki district pleaded with minister GR Anil for boiled rice. This sheds light on the neglect that the Pinarayi government has shown toward the tribal community in the state.
The dire situation of the tribal people in Kerala stems from the state government’s decision to reduce the rice distribution provided by the Food Supplies Department. Recently, the state government opted for a 50:50 ratio of rice distribution through ration shops. According to this decision, the distribution of boiled rice through ration shops was planned to be reduced to 50%, while the remaining 50% was planned to be supplied as raw rice.
This move has severely affected consumers throughout the state, particularly the tribal community, for whom access to boiled rice is not easy. They report having raw rice but lacking boiled rice.
In this context, the community has requested ‘boiled rice’ instead of raw rice. Their dire situation came to light when tribal groups were showcased as objects at the ‘Keraleeyam 2023’ program in Thiruvananthapuram. The presentation of the tribal group in the so-called progressive ‘Keraleeyam 2023’ exhibition has sparked criticism from various quarters.
A member of the tribal community spoke with Janam TV, explaining that they had come to Thiruvananthapuram in response to a call from the Kerala Folklore Academy, with the expectation of earning Rs 1000 per day for being displayed as part of the exhibition. Due to this commitment, they have been unable to engage in their regular work and earn a livelihood. They have been provided with some urban food like Parotta and chapati from November 1 to 7 while serving as exhibits in the exhibition.
However, their immediate need is to alleviate hunger, and for that, they urge the government to provide boiled rice instead of raw rice.
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