Hyderabad: Civil Supplies and Irrigation Minister N Uttam Kumar Reddy announced on Thursday that ‘fine rice’ would be distributed to all ration card-holders across Telangana starting from January. This move is part of the government’s key election promises.
During a meeting of the State-Level Vigilance Committee at the Secretariat, Reddy emphasized the importance of providing the best-quality rice to consumers. He also discussed various issues related to the Civil Supplies department.
The minister instructed officials to supply wheat at subsidized prices wherever needed to meet the demands across the State. He made it clear that any ration dealers caught diverting Public Distribution System (PDS) rice would face strict penalties, including cancellation of their dealerships. Reddy assured that the government is addressing the grievances of dealers and offering them incentives, but warned against any illegal trading of PDS rice.
Revenue Minister Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy expressed concerns about the poor quality and insufficient quantity of rice being supplied under the mid-day meal scheme. In response, Uttam Kumar Reddy directed officials to improve the quality of rice supplied to schools and hostels, with special attention to residential schools, hostels, and Anganwadi centers.
Reddy also voiced concerns about the quality of fortified rice being distributed. He instructed officials to conduct checks to ensure that beneficiaries receive the correct quantity and the best possible quality of rice.
