Tue Apr 01 04:00:00 UTC 2025: ## Telangana Launches Free Fine Rice Distribution Scheme

**Hyderabad, [Date]** – The Telangana government launched a flagship program today, distributing fine rice to ration card holders across the state. Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, along with Minister Uttam Kumar Reddy, inaugurated the scheme at a public event in Suryapet district’s Huzurnagar. The distribution began today, with plans to roll it out fully across all ration shops from April.

The initiative, expected to cost the state government an additional ₹2800 crore, will see approximately 10 lakh new ration cards issued, according to Chief Secretary Shanti Kumari. CM Reddy highlighted the significance of providing fine rice, traditionally consumed by wealthier classes, to the state’s poor, emphasizing it as a step towards improved food security. He recalled the historical context of rice distribution schemes, mentioning the contributions of previous governments and criticizing the alleged exploitation of the existing system by millers who he claims profit from reselling rationed coarse rice.

Reddy stated that the previous system led to the misappropriation of coarse rice, which he estimates costs the state ₹10,000 crore annually. He asserted that the new scheme aims to directly benefit the poor by ensuring they receive fine rice, putting a stop to the alleged exploitation by millers who buy the coarse rice distributed through PDS and resell it at higher prices. The government aims to ensure every poor person receives nutritious rice daily, not just on festivals.

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