Quality rice program in January, says Uttam

HYDERABAD: Civil Supplies Minister N. Uttam Kumar Reddy announced that quality rice would be distributed to all ration card holders from January as a “New Year gift”, a key election promise of the Congress government.

Reddy stressed the importance of providing consumers with best quality rice. He also asked officials to provide wheat at subsidised prices wherever required.

Addressing Statewide Vigilance At a meeting of the committee on Thursday, the minister issued a stern warning to fair price shops and their dealers against diverting rice meant for the Public Distribution System (PDS). He called for termination of concessions to such violators.

He said the government was addressing the grievances of ration sellers and providing them incentives.

Meanwhile, Revenue Minister Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy, who was present at the meeting, expressed concern over the poor quality and inadequate quantity of rice being supplied under the mid-day meal scheme. In response, Uttam Reddy asked officials to address these issues on priority. He sought special attention to be paid to rice supplied to boarding schools, hostels and anganwadi centres.

Uttam Reddy expressed concern over the quality of fortified rice and asked officials to conduct checks to ensure that beneficiaries receive the designated quantity and best quality.

The minister asked officials to study the possibility of increasing the number of Antyodaya cards in the state.

He was told that due to the drop in demand for kerosene, his supply was cut off in June.

Uttam Reddy inquired about the 1,629 vacancies in fair price shops and urged the officials to fill these posts quickly.

Civil Supplies Commissioner DS Chauhan assured the minister that he would provide a detailed report on various issues in the next 10 days.