Amaravati, June 1 (NationPress) The TDP-led NDA administration in Andhra Pradesh has reinitiated the distribution of essential goods at fair price shops on Sunday, discontinuing the service through Mobile Dispensing Units (MDUs).

State officials inaugurated the initiative at several locations. Key commodities such as rice, sugar, and pulses will be available at 29,796 fair price outlets statewide.

Individuals with disabilities and those over 65 years of age will continue to receive their essentials delivered right to their doorsteps.

The Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Minister, Nadendla Manohar, commenced the essential goods distribution via the Fair Price Shop (FPS) in Peethapuram.

Speaking at the event, he noted that beneficiaries will no longer have to wait for MDUs or miss work, allowing them to collect their rations at a time that suits them.

With the updated system, ration cardholders can gather their allocated items from any ration shop within the state.

These shops will operate for the initial 15 days of each month from 8 a.m. to 12 noon and 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Furthermore, shops will remain open on Sundays during the distribution timeframe.

Manohar emphasized that the government aims to enhance the public distribution framework, with plans to install CCTV cameras in ration shops and ensure all necessary facilities for customers. 'We have also implemented a QR code system at each ration shop. If consumers wish to lodge a complaint, they can simply scan it and report their issues directly. Appropriate actions will be taken against dealers if shops fail to open on time or if there are discrepancies in weight or quality,' he stated.

The department has established a dedicated WhatsApp group for individuals with disabilities and seniors, indicating that dealers must post a photograph of themselves delivering rations to their homes.

Last month, the state Cabinet resolved to reinstate the delivery of essentials through fair price shops, reversing the previous government's MDU supply initiative.

The coalition government criticized the public distribution system's management under the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP), accusing the prior regime of expending Rs 1,600 crore on MDUs that inadequately served the populace.

However, YSR Congress President and former Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy criticized the coalition government for eliminating the ration supply via MDUs.

He questioned Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu about his opposition to home delivery services for citizens. In a post on X on Sunday, he challenged Naidu on why he was imposing hardships on the underprivileged again.

'Is this a vision to abolish the home delivery system of governmental services?' he queried. He accused the government of neglecting families from the BC, SC, ST, and minority communities reliant on 9,260 ration vehicles, stating they have been abandoned. 'Does this government possess any compassion? Is it justifiable to eliminate these vehicles that offer transparency and service during floods and emergencies?' he questioned.

Jagan Mohan Reddy remarked that prior to the YSRCP administration's rule, the underprivileged faced numerous struggles in obtaining their monthly rations, including their right to food security. Many had to stand in long lines at ration shops, exposed to harsh weather conditions. He claimed that beneficiaries often encountered discrimination, humiliation, and exploitation.