Minister justifies price hike, assures enough stocks

Thirvananthapuram: Only a marginal price increase has been made for a few selected items at Supplyco outlets, and even after the hike, prices remain significantly lower than market rates, food and civil supplies minister G R Anil said on Thursday. Responding to reports that Supplyco has increased the prices of subsidized items ahead of Onam, the minister said that the prices of subsidized items are still 30% below the market average.
"Our aim is to provide relief to the people by controlling market prices through subsidies. For example, we offer sugar at Rs 33 per kilogram, while the market price is Rs 46. Can this be called inflation? Which other govt institution in India offers such rates," he asked.
Supplyco has increased the prices of several subsidized items, including Kuruva rice and tur dal. The price of Kuruva rice has gone up from Rs 30 to Rs 33 per kilogram, while matta rice has also seen an increase from Rs 30 to Rs 33 per kilogram.
The price of tur dal has risen from Rs 111 to Rs 115 per kilogram, and sugar has been raised from Rs 27 to Rs 33 per kilogram. Among the 13 subsidized items, only Jaya rice remains at the same price, while the price of green gram has been reduced from Rs 92 to Rs 90 per kilogram
The minister defended the price hike as a necessary response to rising market costs, aimed at sustaining Supplyco's operations. He also assured that adequate stocks have been delivered to outlets ahead of the festive season.
Chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan will inaugurate this year's Onam Supplyco Fair at EK Nayanar Park in Thiruvananthapuram. The fairs will run from Sept 5 to 14, with district-level events taking place from Sept 6 to 14. In addition to 13 types of subsidized items, the fair will feature Shabari products, FMCG items, Milma products, handloom goods, fruits, and organic vegetables, all at discounted rates.
Chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan will inaugurate this year's Onam Supplyco Fair at E.K. Nayanar Park in Thiruvananthapuram. The Onam fairs are scheduled from September 5 to 14. District-level fairs will be held from September 6 to 14 at district headquarters with special arrangements. In addition to 13 types of subsidized goods, the fair will offer Sabari branded products, other FMCG products, Milma products, handloom items, fruits, and organic vegetables at discounted prices.