Telangana Govt. to Distribute Fine Rice to All Ration Card Holders from January

Telangana's Civil Supplies and Irrigation Minister N Uttam Kumar Reddy announced fine rice distribution to all ration card holders starting January. He addressed the State Level Vigilance Committee, emphasizing quality rice and addressing ration dealer grievances. Measures to prevent illegal PDS rice trade were discussed.

Telangana Civil Supplies and Irrigation Minister N Uttam Kumar Reddy announced on Thursday that fine rice distribution would commence for all ration card holders across Telangana starting in January. Reddy emphasized that this initiative fulfills a major election promise made by the Congress government.

Speaking at the State Level Vigilance Committee meeting at the Telangana Secretariat, Reddy highlighted the need to ensure the delivery of high-quality rice to consumers. He urged officials to supply wheat at subsidized prices where required and issued a stern warning to ration dealers against diverting Public Distribution System (PDS) rice, suggesting dealership cancellation as a penalty for such actions.

Reddy reiterated the government's resolve to address the grievances of ration dealers while also stressing strict measures to curb illegal trading of PDS rice. Revenue Minister Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy expressed concerns regarding the poor quality and insufficient quantity of rice supplied under the mid-day meal scheme, prompting N Uttam Kumar Reddy to instruct officials to improve rice quality for schools and hostels.

The Minister also called for a focus on the rice supplied to residential schools, hostels, and Anganwadi centers and voiced concerns over fortified rice quality. He directed officials to ensure the designated quantity and best quality of rice for beneficiaries.

Reddy asked officials to consider increasing the number of Antyodaya cards in the state, noting a reduction in kerosene demand that led to its allocation discontinuation in June.

Regarding the Mahalakshmi scheme, Reddy directed the Civil Supplies Department to publicize gas cylinder availability at Rs 500, using messages and promotional materials. Lastly, he urged officials to fill 1,629 vacancies in Fair Price Shops promptly. Civil Supplies Commissioner DS Chauhan promised a detailed report within 10 days.

(With inputs from agencies.)