No free Onam kits after Thiruvonam, 45 lakh cardholders still to receive kits

Alappuzha: Though the distribution of free Onam kits has been hit by several lapses this year, the government stands firm on its stance to end the distribution on September 7. However, the Civil Supplies officials have not allotted the required kits in the PDS outlets in proportion to the ration card holders.

As many as 45 lakh cardholders out of over 92 lakh have not yet received the Onam food kits yet. Enough kits could not be prepared due to scarcity of of chilli powder, turmeric powder, salt, cardamom and cloth bags, informed officials.

The Civil Supplies Department has directed to open the ration outlets on holidays- Sunday and ‘Uthradam’ day.