Fri Apr 04 05:40:00 UTC 2025: **Telangana Government Launches Fine Rice Distribution, Steps Up Vigilance Against Irregularities**
Khammam, Telangana – The Telangana state government has launched a distribution of fine rice to ration card holders, starting this month as an Ugadi festival gift. This initiative has resulted in long queues outside fair price shops. However, the government is simultaneously intensifying efforts to prevent diversion of rice and adulteration with inferior quality grains.
Enforcement teams are actively inspecting ration shops across the Khammam district to ensure transparency and prevent irregularities. A two-week special drive focusing on shop management began Thursday, with teams already inspecting 40 shops on the first day. Inspections are assessing various aspects, including receipt issuance, dealer management (whether self-operated or through benami transactions), the number of in-charge personnel, vacant dealer posts, cases filed against dealers, and the accuracy of stock levels. Any irregularities discovered will result in immediate action. Further plans include establishing new shops and appointing new dealers.
Approximately 1000 metric tons of old, coarse rice stocks remain in shops across Khammam district. Authorities are working to relocate these stocks as per government directives. The distribution of fine rice is scheduled from 8 AM to 12 PM and 4 PM to 8 PM daily, with monitoring teams ensuring adherence to these timings.
Additional Collector P. Srinivas Reddy stated that special enforcement teams have been deployed to prevent the diversion of fine rice and ensure its delivery to beneficiaries. Dealers found engaging in irregularities or failing to provide proper services will face consequences. Clarity regarding the relocation of old stock is expected soon.
First Piper 