Kochi: The Kerala State Civil Supplies Corporation Ltd (Supplyco) has launched a special discount scheme as part of the measures to rein in rising prices. Select non-subsidised commodities will be available at Supplyco outlets at cheaper prices from 2 pm to 4 pm till July 31. The limited period offer is titled Happy Hours.

The items included in the scheme will be available for prices cheaper by up to 10 per cent than the usual discounted rates, an official communication said. The items available at an additional discount rate include rice, oil, soap, jaggery, aatta, rava, maida, detergents, toothpaste, and sanitary napkins. 

The Happy Hour scheme was introduced two days after Supplyco decided to take steps to ensure the supply of rice and coconut oil at a reasonable price during the upcoming Onam season. The decision was taken at a meeting chaired by Food and Civil Supplies Minister G R Anil at Supplyco’s head office in Kochi.

The minister said that discussions have been held with the Food Corporation of India regarding the procurement of rice. He stated that talks will be held with his counterparts in Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu. Special ‘rice vans’ will be introduced to ensure the supply of rice and other essential commodities in interior areas, he added.