THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Kerala government on Tuesday countered Opposition allegations over delays in the distribution of free Onam food kits, saying the programme was progressing across the State ahead of the festival.

The Opposition had accused the government of negligence, alleging that many eligible families, including Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) ration card holders and residents of welfare institutions, were still waiting for their kits.

It also alleged that the Civil Supplies Department had not supplied adequate quantities of kits to ration shops across Kerala and raised concerns over the distribution of subsidised rice intended to provide relief to households amid rising prices.

Responding to the criticism, the government said Onam kit distribution was “in full swing across the State”, describing the initiative as an effort to provide basic food items and ensure families could celebrate the festival.

According to figures released by the Kerala government on August 18, a total of 602,609 AAY kits are being distributed this year. Of these, 306,092 kits had been distributed through ration shops as of 2.30 pm on Tuesday.

Another 75,885 kits had been received by cardholders, according to the government’s update.

The latest figures were released as the political debate over the pace of distribution intensified in the run-up to Onam.

The government maintains that distribution is continuing through the public distribution network and has sought to counter claims that the scheme has stalled.

The Opposition, however, has questioned whether the remaining eligible beneficiaries will receive their kits in time for the festival, putting the implementation of the annual welfare programme under renewed scrutiny.