Ration supply through Fair Price Shops from June 1: Manohar

The Hindu

21-05-2025

Civil Supplies Minister Nadendla Manohar said that the State Cabinet has decided to supply rations exclusively through fair price shops in the State from June 1 onwards.
Addressing a press conference at the Secretariat on Tuesday, the Minister said that the Cabinet had decided to provide ration supplies at the doorstep to those above 65 years of age, and physically challenged. It is a reversal of the previous YSRCP government's practice of supplying them through MDUs (Mobile Dispensing Units).
In the past, rice and other essentials were distributed through 29,000 fair price shops. The previous YSRCP government dismantled the system under the pretext of introducing MDUs. Around ₹1,000 crore was wasted on procuring 9,260 mobile dispensing units. Beneficiaries had no platform to raise their grievances. An IVRS survey revealed that 30% of people weren't receiving rations. Once the vehicles took over, there was no accountability — it became unclear where the goods were going, he said.
The Minister said that hundreds of criminal cases were filed against the MDU operators. A 'green channel' was allegedly created for illegal transport of rice. How can 9,000 vehicles cater to 29,000 shops? They fudged the numbers and diverted rice. The Civil Supplies Department was paying ₹27,000 per month per vehicle. 'After reviewing all aspects, we have decided to cancel this system,' he said, adding, 'From June 1, ration will be supplied only through fair price shops, which will remain open from the 1st to the 15th of every month.
The Cabinet has also decided to hand over the 9,260 vehicles free of cost to eligible beneficiaries.'
During the Cabinet meeting, it is learnt, the the Ministers expressed the opinion that ration vehicles are useful only on the day rice is distributed, and serve no real benefit otherwise. It was decided to take measures to deliver ration directly to the homes of the elderly and disabled. For all others, rice will henceforth be distributed only through fair price shops. Concerns were raised that ration distribution through vehicles is leading to opportunities for smuggling, resulting in misuse of the scheme. Ministers noted that ration shops allow beneficiaries to collect their goods at their convenience. There was also a discussion on whether cash transfers could be introduced in place of physical ration distribution, sources said.