70% of Telangana's Population to Benefit from PDS: Minister

Synopsis

The Telangana government is set to cover 70% of its population under the Public Distribution System (PDS), benefiting around 40 lakh individuals. Minister N. Uttam Kumar Reddy assures a transparent process for issuing ration cards and announces additional financial assistance for housing and agricultural workers.

Key Takeaways

70% of Telangana's population targeted for PDS coverage.
Approximately 40 lakh people to benefit from white ration cards.
Applications for ration cards are being processed transparently.
Financial assistance for housing and agricultural workers announced.
Plans for infrastructure improvements including roads and rail lines.

Hyderabad, Jan 23 (NationPress) The Congress administration in Telangana is dedicated to achieving food security for 70% of its residents via the Public Distribution System (PDS), stated Irrigation and Civil Supplies Minister N. Uttam Kumar Reddy on Thursday.

While addressing a crowd in the Kodad Assembly constituency, he announced that white ration cards will be distributed to all eligible individuals living in poverty. This initiative is expected to assist around 40 lakh individuals throughout the state.

The minister noted that applications for ration cards submitted via platforms such as Praja Palana, Prajavani, Mee-Seva, and Gram Sabhas are currently under review. He reassured the public that the ration card approval process remains ongoing and transparent, encouraging citizens to remain calm.

"We aspire to issue white ration cards to every qualified person," emphasized Uttam Kumar Reddy.

He made it clear that no rumors or delays would obstruct the process. His remarks were made during the swearing-in ceremony of the new governing body of the Kodad Market Committee.

The event was presided over by Kodad MLA Uttam Padmavathi and was attended by Agriculture Minister Tummala Nageswara Rao.

Uttam Kumar Reddy added that under the Indiramma Indlu housing scheme, beneficiaries with land would receive Rs 5 lakh, while SC/ST beneficiaries would receive Rs 6 lakh.

Under the Indiramma Atmeeya Bharosa scheme, landless agricultural laborers would get Rs 12,000 annually. He also noted an increase in the Rythu Bharosa amount by 20% to Rs 12,000 per acre per year, applicable for arable land throughout Telangana.

Uttam Kumar Reddy further announced plans to divert Godavari waters to Paleru via link canals, benefiting the Mothe mandal.

The Hyderabad-Vijayawada National Highway will also be expanded to six lanes, a project the minister had championed during his time as an MP.

Uttam Kumar Reddy disclosed that a proposal for a railway line to Kodad has been submitted to the central government, accompanied by a detailed route map.