Hyderabad, Aug.22 (NSS): Minister for Civil Supplies N Uttam Kumar Reddy on Thursday announced that fine rice would be distributed to all ration card holders across Telangana from January.
Speaking at the State Level Vigilance Committee meeting at the Telangana Secretariat, the Minister emphasised that the initiative was a key election promise of the Congress government.
During the meeting, Uttam Kumar Reddy reviewed issues related to the Civil Supplies department and stressed the importance of delivering the best quality rice to consumers.
Stating that officials should supply wheat at subsidised prices wherever needed, ensuring that demands are met across the State, he also issued a stern warning to ration dealers against diverting Public Distribution System (PDS) rice.
He assured that the government is committed to address the grievances of ration dealers and providing them with incentives. However, the Minister warned that any diversion of PDS rice would not be tolerated, suggesting that the penalty should be the cancellation of dealership. He called for strict measures to prevent illegal trading of PDS rice.
Revenue Minister Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy, who was also present at the meeting, raised 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 address these issues and ensure a significant improvement in the quality of rice supplied to schools and hostels.
The Minister asked officials to explore the possibility of increasing the number of Antyodaya cards in Telangana State.
Regarding the Mahalakshmi scheme, Uttam Kumar Reddy directed the Civil Supplies department to give wide publicity to the provision of gas cylinders at Rs 500.
Lastly, the Minister inquired about the 1,629 vacancies in Fair Price Shops and urged officials to fill these positions promptly.
