Civil Supplies Minister Etala Rajender today warned that severe measures would be taken against those involved in irregularities like misusing ration rice and selling it in black market.
Addressing the media here after holding a review meeting with officials at Secretariat this morning, the minister said the government will use PD Act against the dealers or rice millers if they misused the scheme. Rajender appealed to the people to surrender their ration cards if they cannot take and use the fine rice through public distribution system. The purpose of the fine rice distribution was to provide two square meals a day to the poor as part of welfare measures.
Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao was keen on welfare of the poor and giving fine rice to them, hostels and schools. So far, 81 lakh families comprising 2.7 Cr units are getting benefited through the fine rice scheme by drawing 6 kg rice at the rate of Re one-a-kg. Though the Centre cancelled levy, the State government was offering minimum support price to the farmers, he claimed. The millers were asked to supply rice in 45days after procuring paddy from the farmers and the government was ready to address their issues, the minister said.
Rajendar said the officials were told to procure 100 per cent rice as against 98 per cent worth Rs 400 crore last year. Millers were warned of serious action for illegal transport of ration rice to Kakinada Port, he said. The review meeting held on rationalisation of ration cards, e pass, use of machines and streamlining of PDS system to ensure the poor get benefited. (NSS)