Thiruvananthapuram: Minister for Food and Civil Supplies, GR Anil, defended the recent price hike in Supplyco, labelling it as a necessary and timely adjustment. Amidst the financial turmoil plaguing Supplyco, the minister assured the public that the hike would not adversely impact consumers.
In a press conference held today in Thiruvananthapuram, GR Anil addressed concerns regarding the recent price hike in Supplyco. Anil justified the increase as a necessary step to address the financial challenges facing the organization. He emphasised that the hike would not significantly impact consumers and said that he would communicate the reasons behind the decision to the people.
The minister’s explanation comes from Supplyco’s dire financial situation, which has led to the need for corrective measures. He said that an expert committee’s report took the decision to adjust prices on various essential commodities distributed by Supplyco. The prices of Jaya rice, Kuruva rice, Matta rice, raw rice (pachari), sugar, coconut oil, red chilli, coriander, green gram, black gram (uzhunnu), chickpea, red cow peas (vanpayar), toor dal (thuvarapparippu), and vegetables are increasing.
Minister Anil highlighted Supplyco’s mounting debt and the need for remedial measures in light of the current crisis. He mentioned the 2016 election promise of the LDF (Left Democratic Front) to maintain price stability for five years and said that it has been followed thus far. He underscored that Supplyco is currently grappling with challenges. To solve this, an expert committee was convened, and its recommendations were duly considered.
Addressing the media, Minister Anil revealed that the government had previously increased subsidies from 25 to 35 percent, and the recent cabinet decision aims to provide 13 essential items to the public. The prices of these items are subject to review every three months. He said that, despite these changes, Kerala remains the least expensive state in India.
Minister Anil emphasised that while clearing past dues is essential, it alone cannot resolve the ongoing crisis at Supplyco. The finance department’s decision regarding the price hike has been accepted, with assurances from the minister that it will not burden the public. He said that the public will be provided with comprehensive explanations regarding the necessity of these measures.
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