Telangana ration rice | Hyderabad, April 8: The Telangana government has begun distributing three months of ration rice in advance due to summer conditions.
As a result, each beneficiary now receives 18 kg of fine rice at one time. Officials are giving 6 kg per person for three months in a single distribution.
As expected, the decision has increased crowds at fair price shops. Beneficiaries are lining up in large numbers. At the same time, ration dealers are working extended hours to complete distribution smoothly.
However, several dealers have now raised serious concerns. They claim the rice supplied from government godowns is underweight. According to them, each 50-kg bag is short by about 4 kg. Consequently, dealers say they are losing nearly 8 kg per quintal.
Dealers also say each bag should weigh 50 kg including the sack weight. Instead, many bags reportedly weigh only about 46 kg. Moreover, they allege officials are skipping proper weighing before transport. Although weighbridges exist at warehouses, staff allegedly dispatch stocks assuming standard weight.
Therefore, dealers from Narayanpet, Wanaparthy, Siddipet, Jagtial, Vikarabad, Rangareddy and Medchal districts have approached their state association. They are demanding immediate government action.
Statewide, more than 17,000 ration shops distribute free rice. Currently, about 3.20 crore beneficiaries under 1.05 crore ration cards receive supplies.
The quantity depends on the scheme category. For instance, the government provides 6 kg per person, 10 kg to Annapurna card holders and 35 kg to Antyodaya families.
Telangana ration rice | Diversion allegations surface
Meanwhile, fresh allegations have emerged about diversion of PDS rice. Sources claim some stocks are reaching private millers instead of genuine beneficiaries.
Investigators suspect some traders are storing fine rice and selling it later in the open market. Reportedly, they sell it at around ₹60 per kg. On the other hand, they allegedly buy PDS rice for about ₹15 per kg. They then supply it to the government as Custom Milled Rice. As a result, illegal margins may reach up to ₹45 per kg.
Furthermore, there are allegations that the involvement of certain officials makes detection difficult. This, dealers say, weakens enforcement efforts.
Dealers report financial pressure
At the same time, dealers say bulk distribution is increasing their financial burden. They say stock shortages make distribution management difficult. In addition, they are facing extra operational costs.
For example, some dealers have rented additional storage rooms. Others have hired helpers to manage crowds. Dealers say they are paying about ₹15,000 per month for extra staff. Therefore, they are demanding higher commissions. They want at least double the usual rate during bulk distribution periods.
Telangana ration rice | Civil Supplies Department reacts
Meanwhile, Civil Supplies officials say they have not received formal complaints so far. However, they assured strict action if violations come to light. Officials also urged beneficiaries to report irregularities immediately. They said prompt complaints will help them act faster.
Officials also said they will strengthen monitoring to prevent diversion and ensure fair distribution.
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