Minister for Civil Supplies and Irrigation N Uttam Kumar Reddy said Telangana’s free fine rice distribution scheme was receiving a great response from the people. He called it the largest food security initiative in India’s history.
He was speaking during a video conference conducted by Chief Secretary Santhi Kumari with all District Collectors from the Secretariat on Friday. Uttam Kumar Reddy said the scheme was a proud achievement and a milestone in Telangana’s welfare journey.
“This scheme is bringing a real change in people’s lives. We must make this a historic and inclusive effort,” he said.
The Minister said nearly 85 percent of the state’s population would benefit from this programme.
He warned that there should be no delay or irregularity in rice supply. “Strict action will be taken if there are any malpractices. Everything must be done perfectly,” he said.
Uttam Kumar Reddy asked officials to ensure proper monitoring, smooth transport, and full involvement of public representatives. He said MLAs, MLCs, and MPs should join the distribution process and also eat meals with beneficiaries to build trust.
He announced that Chief Minister Revanth Reddy would have lunch with a beneficiary in Bhadrachalam on April 6, the day of Sri Rama Navami. Uttam Kumar Reddy himself would have dinner with a PDS beneficiary in Suryapet on Friday night.
During the conference, District Collectors said distribution was going on smoothly in most areas. Over 99 percent coverage had been achieved in several districts, and the people response was very positive.
Chief Secretary Santhi Kumari directed Collectors to counter false propaganda about the scheme. She asked them to share correct and factual information and highlight the success of the programme.
The Minister said the government would soon begin physical distribution of ration cards.
A Tricolour Card would be given to Below Poverty Line (BPL) families and a Green Card to Above Poverty Line (APL) families. He instructed collectors to carry out perfect verification to ensure no eligible person was left out.
He added that Telangana had 89.73 lakh ration cards at the time of its formation. But in the 10 years of the BRS rule, only 49,479 new cards were issued. No effort was made to add new members to existing cards. Now, under the Congress government, both fresh cards and member additions were being processed on a large scale.
Later, the Minister held another video conference with MPs, MLAs, MLCs, and Corporation Chairmen from his chambers at the Secretariat. Ministers Komatireddy Venkatreddy, Ponnam Prabhakar and D Sridhar Babu also participated.
Uttam Kumar Reddy told the elected representatives to visit fair price shops and actively take part in the rice distribution drive. He urged them to eat PDS rice meals with the people to show their involvement.