Telangana CM Shares Meal with Family Benefiting from Fine Rice Initiative

Synopsis

Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy dined with a family benefiting from the state's free fine rice scheme, discussing the welfare and benefits associated with the initiative, which aims to provide high-quality rice to the underprivileged population.

Key Takeaways

Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy dined with a beneficiary family.
The fine rice distribution scheme was launched on March 30.
Each eligible person receives 6 kg of fine rice monthly.
The initiative aims to cover 3.10 crore people.
It's regarded as India's largest food security initiative.

Hyderabad, April 6 (NationPress) The Chief Minister of Telangana, A. Revanth Reddy, enjoyed lunch on Sunday with a family benefiting from the state government's free fine rice distribution scheme.

The Chief Minister visited the home of B. Srinivas in Sarapaka, located in the Burgampadu mandal of Bhadradri Kothagudem district.

Accompanying Revanth Reddy were Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka, ministers Tummala Nageswara Rao, P. Srinivas Reddy, Chief Secretary Santhi Kumari, and various officials.

The Chief Minister took the time to inquire about the family's welfare. He specifically asked the female member, Tulasamma, about the quality of the fine rice they had received.

Tulasamma mentioned that they had not utilized the coarse rice previously provided through ration shops. Expressing gratitude for the fine rice distribution, she stated that the family now relished cooking and eating this rice.

Additionally, the Chief Minister asked the family about their access to schemes such as 200 units of free electricity and gas cylinders for Rs 500.

Tulasamma shared that the free travel offered by the Road Transport Corporation buses was significantly beneficial for them.

The free fine rice distribution scheme was inaugurated on March 30 in the Huzurnagar constituency.

Since its rollout on April 1 across the state, each eligible individual receives 6 kg of fine rice monthly. The government plans to distribute 30 lakh metric tonnes of rice annually at an expenditure of Rs 13,000 crore.

Civil Supplies Minister Uttam Kumar Reddy stated that the scheme would serve 3.10 crore people, which is approximately 85 percent of Telangana’s total population.

During a video conference held on April 4 to review the scheme's implementation, the minister described the free distribution of fine rice through the Public Distribution System as a transformative initiative.

He labeled it as the largest food security program in India's history, asserting that it has garnered an overwhelming response from citizens.

The Civil Supplies Minister is also scheduled to have dinner with a beneficiary family in Suryapet. He encouraged MLAs, MLCs, and MPs to participate in the distribution process and share meals with beneficiaries to foster trust.

Previously, the government distributed coarse rice, which failed to meet the needs of the underprivileged. Despite an annual budget of Rs 10,665 crore for this, much of the rice went unused.

Uttam Kumar Reddy indicated that a significant portion was diverted and sold illegally, with misuse valued between Rs 7,000 and Rs 8,000 crore annually.