Distribution of 6 Kg per person of Fine Rice in Telangana Ration Shops from 5 January 2025: Key Decisions by the State Government
The State Government has made a significant decision to distribute fine rice to all beneficiaries holding food security cards. The Minister of Civil Supplies, N. Uttam Kumar Reddy, announced this plan, emphasizing that this key promise from the Congress party’s election manifesto will be implemented starting in January. This decision was discussed during a Vigilance Committee meeting held at the Secretariat, which included key figures such as Revenue Minister Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy, Civil Supplies Commissioner D.S. Chauhan, and other officials.
Ensuring Accountability in Ration Shops
During the meeting, the issue of potential misuse of ration rice was brought to the table by the State President of the Ration Dealers’ Association. The president highlighted several challenges faced by ration dealers, including the need for an increase in commission and salary. Addressing these concerns, Minister Uttam Kumar Reddy assured that the state government would resolve these issues promptly. However, he also issued a stern warning, stating that any malpractice or diversion of Public Distribution System (PDS) rice would not be tolerated. The Vigilance Committee has decided that, moving forward, dealers involved in such illegal activities will face severe penalties, including the cancellation of their dealership. Minister Reddy instructed officials to fill the 1,629 vacant ration dealership positions immediately to prevent such issues and ensure the strict distribution of rice.
Expansion of Wheat Distribution and Streamlining Subsidies
Currently, subsidized wheat is distributed only in ration shops within Hyderabad. Minister Reddy discussed the possibility of extending this benefit across the entire state. He instructed the officials to take necessary steps to ensure that wheat distribution reaches all eligible areas in the state, ensuring that more people can benefit from this program.
Quality Concerns in Mid-Day Meal Rice
The meeting also addressed the quality of rice supplied for the Mid-Day Meal Scheme in residential schools. Revenue Minister Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy expressed concerns that the rice being supplied was of poor quality and insufficient for the students. Responding to this, Minister Uttam Kumar Reddy ordered officials to ensure that high-quality rice is provided to schools, gurukul institutions, and Anganwadi centers. He emphasized the importance of maintaining the quality of rice distributed through these vital social programs.
Enhancing Antyodaya Scheme and LPG Subsidy Distribution
The State Government is also considering the expansion of the Antyodaya scheme, which aims to provide food security to the poorest households. Minister Reddy suggested that the number of Antyodaya cardholders in the state should be reviewed and potentially increased to reach more deserving families.
In addition, the meeting reviewed the distribution of LPG cylinders at a subsidized rate of ₹500. Minister Reddy held discussions with senior officials from oil companies to ensure that the state government’s subsidy is credited to the consumers’ bank accounts within 48 hours of receiving the cylinder. He also instructed that consumers should receive a notification message once the subsidy is credited.
Comprehensive Report and Future Actions
To ensure that all these initiatives are implemented effectively, Minister Reddy directed Civil Supplies Commissioner D.S. Chauhan to submit a comprehensive report covering various issues discussed in the meeting within 10 days. The report will help in identifying gaps and ensuring that all citizens entitled to these benefits receive them without any hindrance.
This comprehensive approach by the state government demonstrates its commitment to ensuring food security and improving the welfare of its citizens. The distribution of fine rice, expansion of subsidized wheat, and the strengthening of oversight on ration shop operations are all steps towards a more efficient and equitable Public Distribution System in the state.