Hyderabad: The Telangana government’s plan to distribute rice in specially designed multipurpose bags hit a pause after the imposition of the model code of conduct for local body elections.
Officials had prepared to supply the new bags along with October’s rice quota. Each bag, designed to hold six kilograms, was already moved from district centres to stock points in mandals.
Election code halts new rice bag distribution
The government developed the bags as durable, eco-friendly alternatives to plastic. Authorities said beneficiaries could reuse them for carrying vegetables, provisions, and other goods.
The bags carried images of Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, Civil Supplies Minister Uttam Kumar Reddy, and the logo of the six guarantees scheme. Election officials directed a halt to the programme, citing violation of the code.
The state introduced new ration cards this year after a decade. Both existing cardholders and fresh beneficiaries are receiving fine rice under the scheme.
