Telangana to distribute fine rice by March within 2 months

Hyderabad: Irrigation and civil supplies minister Capt N. Uttam Kumar Reddy on Wednesday announced that the Telangana government would start distributing fine rice to ration cardholders within next two months.

He stated that the government had initially planned to begin distribution in January, but required additional time to complete necessary arrangements. As a result, fine rice is expected to be distributed from February or March.

The minister emphasised the government's commitment to tackling illegal transportation of ration rice. He warned of strict action against those found involved in such practices and reiterated that increased vigilance measures would be implemented.

Addressing concerns about new ration dealer shops, Uttam Kumar Reddy said the government is ready to set up additional shops where they are required.

However, he emphasised that introducing new shops indiscriminately could affect existing dealers.

The government is exploring the possibility of sanctioning new shops in 4,000 tribal hamlets, recently converted into gram panchayats, subject to viability. Responding to MLA K. Sambasiva Rao's question, Uttam Kumar Reddy said 17,256 ration shops currently function in the state. He acknowledged that ration shop dealers have requested an increase in their commission from Rs 140 to Rs 300 per quintal and an honorarium of Rs 30,000 per month for rural FP shop dealers and Rs 35,000–Rs 40,000 per month for urban dealers.

However, these proposals involve financial implications and the government is reviewing the matter.

He noted that the fair price shop dealer margin was increased from Rs 70 to Rs 140 per quintal from October 2023 and the government is yet to decide on further revisions.