Telangana News Today: The Telangana government’s initiative to distribute fine rice at subsidised rates has garnered significant public attention, leading to long queues at ration shops statewide.
HYDERABAD: The Telangana government’s recently launched fine rice distribution scheme has seen an enthusiastic response from the public, with beneficiaries forming long queues at ration shops across the state. The scheme, inaugurated by Chief Minister Revanth Reddy on Ugadi in Huzurnagar constituency, aims to provide fine rice to ration cardholders.
Since its commencement on April 1, ration shop dealers have been distributing fine rice to eligible beneficiaries. The surge in demand has led to dealers working extended hours to accommodate all recipients. Telangana boasts over 90 lakh ration cards, benefiting approximately 3.1 crore individuals. The government has supplied 200,000 metric tonnes of rice to ration shops for this initiative, with expectations of an additional 3 million beneficiaries in the coming months.
Dealers report that half of the allocated rice quota has already been distributed and anticipate completing the distribution by April 10. The increased demand suggests that nearly all ration cardholders are now availing themselves of the scheme, compared to the previous 60% participation rate. To manage the influx, dealers have employed additional assistants, reducing the likelihood of black-market diversion. The central and state governments have allocated ₹10,655 crore for this scheme, with the state contributing ₹5,175 crore and the central government ₹5,485 crore. The state government faces an additional financial burden of ₹2,858 crore due to this initiative.
In an effort to expand the offerings at ration shops, the government plans to introduce other essential commodities such as soaps, turmeric, chili powder, cooking oils, and wheat starting in June. This approach mirrors previous administrations’ strategies of distributing multiple essential items through ration shops.
To promote the fine rice scheme, the government has initiated community meal programs. Minister Uttam Kumar Reddy has participated by dining at a beneficiary’s home, and Chief Minister Revanth Reddy is scheduled to do the same in Khammam. Legislators across various constituencies are also expected to partake in these events.
Meanwhile, Union Minister Bandi Sanjay Kumar has acknowledged the central government’s role in the scheme and encouraged BJP workers to engage with beneficiaries by joining them for meals.
Telangana launches free fine rice scheme benefiting 3.10 crore people
