The government has framed rules to regulate direct and multi-level marketing agencies as per the Central government directive.
The State was the first to frame these rules which would be released on August 8 at a function in Thiruvananthapuram, Minister for Civil Supplies P. Thilothaman said at a meet-the-press organised by the Ernakulam Press Club here on Friday.
After drastic changes in the public distribution system with all rationing shops maintaining stocks online, the new online ration card services would be available for all from Saturday, Mr. Thilothaman said.
Till now, online ration card services were available only in Thiruvananthapuram city rationing office and Chirayinkeezhu taluk.
With the onset of Onam season, the government had taken steps to check price rise, getting together a number of agencies to work in tandem to ensure availability of all essential items at affordable rates, the Minister said.
The government was all set to conduct 1,600 Onam fairs this year compared to 1,467 last year, he said. The market intervention would ensure that there was no price rise, the Minister said.
All Onam fairs would have food courts and play area for children. Enforcement departments such as food safety, legal meteorology and police would be put on alert during the festival season to take on public grievances on various issues that could come up on food quality, measurement, black marketing, etc. the Minister said.
As part of Onam preparedness, all ration shops and Maveli stores were gearing up to meet the demand. Mini markets would be opened at all Maveli stores, he said.
On the problems being faced by PoS machines in ration shops, he said there were 33 such shops facing the problem and most of it was because of poor Internet connectivity. A new server would be put in place to handle the rush hour uptake of stocks, he said.
Those who are unable to go ration shops — the elderly or those with busy schedules — can nominate another person to buy the provision.