Thiruvananthapuram
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan attacked the Central government on Wednesday, alleging that it sells ‘Bharat rice’ at a price exceeding its production cost, prioritizing profit over public welfare. Vijayan, while unveiling the Kerala government’s ‘Sabari K rice,’ slated to retail at Rs 29 and Rs 30 per kilogram through state-operated outlets, criticized the unsubsidized nature of Bharat rice.
He claimed that Bharat rice, procured by the Centre at Rs 18.59 per kilogram, is sold to consumers at Rs 29 per kilogram, denouncing the profit-oriented approach. Additionally, he highlighted that the same rice, marketed under the ‘Bharat’ label by the Centre, was retailed by the state government via the outlets at Rs 24 per kilogram and through ration shops at Rs 10.9 per kilogram.
Vijayan asserted that the state government procures Sabari K rice at Rs 40 per kilogram, subsequently offering it at subsidized rates through the outlets. He underscored this as a strategic market intervention for the populace’s benefit, emphasizing the contrasting governmental approaches.
Accusing the Central government of misguided interventions in food grain distribution, Vijayan cited instances of coercive payments for flood relief supplies and measures undermining school meal programs. He dismissed expectations of beneficial initiatives from the Centre, criticizing its actions as detrimental to public interests.
