THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The government is looking into the possibility of bringing in more APL state subsidy card holders into the priority list once the National Food Security Act is enforced. The Cabinet is expected to take a final decision by Monday.
“The issue of including more APL (state subsidy) families in the priority list came up before the Cabinet on Wednesday. The financial liabilities in this regard are to be worked out. The Food and Civil Supplies Department has been asked to submit a report before the chief minister. A final decision is expected to be taken by Monday,” sources in the Food Minister’s office said.
As many as 1.54 crore people will be covered under the NFSA as priority category. Of the 14.25 lakh MT annual allotment to the state under the Act, 10.25 lakh MT will be required for this section. However, 1.8 crore people, who were getting some form of subsidised food grains at present, will be in trouble as the government will be left with only four lakh tonnes to cater to their needs. Continued subsidised supply at the present rate to this category will incur a huge financial liability.