Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala: Supplyco outlets across the state are grappling with a shortage of sugar, with no new stock received since Onam, reported Matrubhumi.com.
The Kerala State Civil Supplies Corporation Limited, abbreviated as and known better by its brand name Supplyco, is a Government of Kerala-owned company. It acts as the execution arm of the Department of Food and Civil Supplies of the Government of Kerala. The company serves the purpose of governmental intervention in the retail market to control prices of essential commodities.
As per media report, the crisis stems from suppliers refraining from participating in tenders due to unpaid dues totalling Rs 200 crore to sugar traders. Despite requests for additional funds from the finance department, no assistance has been provided, as highlighted by complaints from the food department.
The media report further stated that in response, the CPI trade union, AITUC, has announced a Satyagraha at the Secretariat on Wednesday and Thursday, demanding that Supplycos receive money they deserve. While sugar is priced at Rs 45 in the public market, it is available for only Rs 28 at Supplyco. The government owes a total of Rs 600 crores to all Supplyco suppliers.
