Hyderabad, [Date] – The Telangana government has announced the distribution of thin rice beginning in January. Civil Supplies and Irrigation Minister N. Uttam Kumar Reddy outlined the plan during a state-level vigilance committee meeting held at the Secretariat on Thursday.
Minister Uttam Kumar Reddy emphasized that ensuring the provision of quality rice to the state’s residents remains a top priority. He highlighted that this initiative aligns with the Congress government’s election promises. Additionally, wheat will also be available at subsidized rates, with officials instructed to make the necessary arrangements.
The Minister warned ration dealers against corruption in the public distribution system, asserting that action, including dealership cancellations, would be taken against those misappropriating rice. He assured that the government is committed to addressing the challenges faced by ration dealers.
Revenue Minister Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy raised concerns about the poor quality of rice supplied under the mid-day meal scheme and the insufficiency of available rice. Uttam Kumar Reddy directed officials to ensure that the rice quality for schools, hostels, and anganwadi centers is improved, with a particular focus on residential schools and hostels.
Additionally, the Minister reported that 1,629 ration shops across the state are currently vacant, urging immediate action to fill these positions. He also proposed increasing the number of Antyodaya cards and enhancing public awareness of the civil supplies department’s gas cylinder scheme, which offers cylinders at Rs 500.
Civil Supplies Commissioner D.S. Chauhan confirmed that a comprehensive report on these matters will be submitted within the next 10 days.