Telangana to distribute new ration cards from July 14

It marks a major welfare initiative by the Congress government.

Launch in Tungaturthi Constituency

Irrigation, Food & Civil Supplies Minister Capt N Uttam Kumar Reddy announced on Wednesday that the distribution programme would commence at Tirumalagiri in Tungaturthi constituency. Deputy Chief Minister Bhatti Vikramarka will also participate in the launch.

Addressing a review meeting at the Nalgonda District Collectorate, Uttam Kumar Reddy directed collectors to complete verification of all eligible applications by July 13 to ensure that no deserving family is excluded. “The government’s focus is to provide ration cards to every eligible person without any discrimination,” he emphasised.

Transparent selection process stressed

The Minister insisted on absolute transparency in selecting beneficiaries, warning officials against any irregularities. He announced that review meetings will now be held twice a month to maintain close monitoring and accountability.

Free Fine Rice scheme benefits 84 percent population

Uttam Kumar Reddy outlined the scale of Telangana’s free fine rice scheme, under which about 3.10 crore people – nearly 84 percent of the state’s population – receive 6 kg of rice per person per month through fair price shops. The scheme costs the state exchequer over Rs 13,000 crore annually.

To ensure uninterrupted supply, the government distributed three months’ worth of rations at once in June, July, and August, providing 18 kg per person, 105 kg per Antyodaya family, and 30 kg per Annapurna family.

Criticism of previous BRS government

The Minister slammed the previous BRS government for neglecting food security and ration card enrolment. “In 2014, Telangana had 89.73 lakh white ration cards. The BRS government added only around 49,000 cards, mostly during by-elections, ignoring lakhs of families,” he said. In contrast, he claimed the Congress government was addressing lakhs of new applications in a mission-driven manner.

Pending Irrigation Projects to be Fast-tracked

Uttam Kumar Reddy also reviewed progress on irrigation projects in the erstwhile Nalgonda district. He urged MLAs and officials to resolve land acquisition and forest clearance hurdles to avoid delays.

He revealed that efforts are underway to resume the long-pending Srisailam Left Bank Canal (SLBC) works, with engineers from the Indian Army’s engineering department being deputed to conduct electro-magnetic LIDAR surveys to accelerate technical approvals and execution.

Assurances by other ministers

Roads & Buildings Minister Komatireddy Venkatareddy announced Rs 45 crore approvals for the Sangem Bridge and new double-lane roads under the HAM scheme. SC, ST & Minority Welfare Minister A Laxman Kumar assured full support for the district’s welfare and development initiatives.

Legislators raise local issues

Several legislators used the meeting to raise concerns, including repairs of canals, pending land acquisition, resettlement funds, and restarting applications for social welfare schemes.

Focus on welfare and accountability

Concluding the meeting, Uttam Kumar Reddy reiterated the Congress government’s commitment to prioritise the welfare of the poor, ensure food security with dignity, and fast-track neglected infrastructure projects.

“Together, with transparent systems and honest officials, we can ensure no family is left behind,” he stated.