Free food item kits during Onam festival in Kerala

: The Kerala government today decided to supply 'Onam kits' with food articles to 5.95 lakh families under the 'Antyodaya Anna Yojana scheme.

A decision to this effect was taken at a cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan here.

The kits would be distributed throgh the State Civil Supply Corporation.

An amount of Rs 6.91 crore has been earmarked for this, an official release said.

It was also decided to distribute one kg sugar at a rate of Rs 22 to 81 lakh ration card holders in the state.

An amount of Rs 14.72 crore would be spent for this purpose, it said.

The Cabinet also decided to recommendto the Governor to promulgate an ordinance for a Bill, seeking constitution of a Welfare Fund Board for madrasa teachers.

The Board would ensure speedy disbursement of pension, treatment allowances, financial assistance for the marriage of daughters of madrasa teachers and maternity benefits for women members, the release said.

Madrasa teachers who become Board members have to pay Rs 50 every month as premium, the release said.

On other decisions, the release said the cabinet gave approvalto a Bill to regulate fish auction and sale. It would also would have provisions to ensure the quality of fish sold.

At present, there was no regulation for auctioning fish at the fish landing centre, harbour and market, resulting in auctioneers playing the role of middlemen and charging exorbitant commissions from fish workers, the release said.

A mechanism also would be put in place to ensure fishermen get reasonable price for their catch, the release said.