‘EAGLE, HYDRAA-style’ crackdown on food adulteration soon in Telangana, says CM Revanth

Hyderabad: Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy on Monday announced that the State government will soon introduce a dedicated enforcement mechanism to curb food adulteration, signalling a tougher approach to food safety and public welfare.

The proposed system will be modelled on recent enforcement initiatives like EAGLE and HYDRAA, with stringent legal provisions to deter offenders.

Dedicated system to curb food adulteration

In an informal chit-chat with the media at the Assembly premises, the Chief Minister said the government will examine anti-adulteration laws implemented in other states and adopt best practices to build a strong regulatory framework in Telangana.

He asserted that strict action, on the lines of existing enforcement models and preventive detention laws, will be taken against those involved in food adulteration and hoarding of essential commodities.

Fine rice scheme completes one year

The announcement coincided with the completion of one year of the state’s fine rice distribution scheme.

To mark the occasion, the Civil Supplies Department organised a special meal at the Assembly Central Hall, where dishes prepared using fine rice were served to legislators and public representatives.

CM Revanth said the scheme currently benefits about 3.39 crore people, covering nearly 86 per cent of Telangana’s population, and is expected to expand further in the coming years.

Shift from coarse to fine rice

Explaining the rationale behind the policy shift, the Chief Minister noted that coarse rice distributed earlier under the Public Distribution System (PDS) was often not consumed by beneficiaries. This led to the emergence of a black-market network that converted coarse rice into fine rice for resale.

He said the government realised that continuing the supply of coarse rice resulted in expenditure without meaningful benefit to the poor.

“We decided to provide rice that people actually eat, ensuring both utilisation and dignity,” he said, adding that the move has significantly curbed black-market activities.

Boost for farmers and MSP concerns

To support the transition, the State government introduced a Rs 500 per quintal bonus to encourage farmers to cultivate fine paddy.

The Chief Minister pointed out that, unlike other sectors where producers determine prices, farmers often lack control over pricing and are vulnerable to exploitation by middlemen.

He reiterated that safeguarding farmers’ interests remains a priority and highlighted the historical role of Congress in introducing minimum support price mechanisms to protect cultivators.

Welfare expansion and future focus

The Chief Minister said ration cards have been issued to all eligible beneficiaries, ensuring wider access to subsidised food grains.

He added that the government’s next focus will be on providing quality education and nutritious food to students.

Efforts will also be made to promote crop diversification, with farmers encouraged to shift from paddy to commercial and alternative crops. Awareness campaigns will be undertaken to support this transition. Additionally, the government plans to roll out statewide cancer screening programmes.

Political criticism and counterattacks

During the interaction, CM Revanth took aim at political opponents, particularly former Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao (KCR), alleging that the previous regime discouraged paddy cultivation while failing to deliver on its promises.

He also criticised BJP MP K Laxman for raising concerns over delimitation and suggesting President’s Rule, questioning whether similar measures would be applied in BJP-ruled states.

Strong opposition to delimitation changes

Expressing concern over proposals to increase parliamentary seats by 50 per cent, the Chief Minister warned that such a move could tilt the balance in favour of northern states, undermining the representation of southern states.

He stressed that delimitation is not merely a political issue but a matter affecting federal balance, and called for a broader, non-partisan discussion to ensure fairness.

Revanth Reddy targets KCR, questions ‘House Arrest’ silence

Referring to former Chief Minister and Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) president K. Chandrasekhar Rao (KCR), Revanth Reddy remarked that there is no comparison between him and KCR.​

“We are delivering exactly what we promised, while KCR never implemented what he promised,” he said.

In a sharp dig at KCR’s son K. T. Rama Rao and nephew T. Harish Rao, Revanth Reddy remarked that he suspects KCR is under “house arrest,” questioning his continued absence from public life.

Legacy of rice distribution schemes

CM Revanth recalled that subsidised rice distribution was first introduced during the Congress government led by former Chief Minister Vijaya Bhaskara Reddy, and later expanded significantly by NT Rama Rao.

However, he noted that for decades, coarse rice remained the norm despite low consumption, leading to inefficiencies and the growth of black-market operations.

Government’s twin objectives

Reaffirming his government’s commitment, the Chief Minister said the focus remains on improving farmers’ incomes while ensuring that welfare schemes deliver real benefits to the poor.

“The fine rice scheme is not just about distribution, it is about ensuring that government support translates into actual consumption, better nutrition, and dignity for the people,” he said.