Latest news with #DistributionSystem
The Hindu
01-08-2025
- The Hindu
Civil Supplies-CID arrested 6,272 persons for smuggling, illegal sale of PDS items
The Civil Supplies – Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has booked 6,025 cases so far this year, and arrested 6,272 persons involved in smuggling and selling essential commodities meant for the Public Distribution System (PDS) in the black market. The Civil Supplies- CID has been conducting regular patrols to prevent the smuggling and hoarding of PDS items. A press release said a total of 6,025 cases were registered under the Essential Commodities Act, 1955, from January 1 to July 31 this year, and goods worth ₹1.84 crore — 2,342 tonnes of rice, 13,720 litres of kerosene, 1,725 cooking gas cylinders, and 64 other essential commodities — were seized. A total of 6,272 persons involved in such illegal activities were arrested, and 1,362 vehicles used for smuggling were confiscated. Apart from these, 2,880 vehicles were released after seizure.
The Hindu
10-07-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Not opposed to legal rice exports, but black market of PDS rice will not be tolerated, says Civil Supplies Minister Nadendla Manohar
Civil Supplies Minister Nadendla Manohar has said the State government is not opposed to rice exports as long as they are in accordance with official guidelines. Addressing a review meeting with Joint Collectors and Civil Supplies officials from Kakinada, Visakhapatnam, and Nellore districts, at the Secretariat, on Wednesday, Mr. Manohar emphasised the need for stringent action against illegal rice transportation, particularly involving subsidised rice meant for the Public Distribution System (PDS). 'Exporters can proceed legally by following the government's prescribed procedures,' said Mr. Manohar, underlining that there must be no possibility of PDS rice being diverted for exports. He directed the officials to register not just Section 6A cases under the Essential Commodities Act, but also invoke the PD Act and relevant Sections under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) to curb such violations effectively. Mr. Manohar instructed that permanent check-posts be established at the Visakhapatnam, Kakinada, and Nellore port areas, with round-the-clock staff to monitor rice movement. He noted that enforcement at Kakinada port was currently robust, and urged similar strengthening at the Visakhapatnam and Krishnapatnam ports as well. He also asked the Civil Supplies Vigilance and Enforcement officials to intensify field inspections and directed the authorities to consider additional checkpoints along the National Highways where needed. Giving details of illegal rice transport cases, the Minister said, in Kakinada district, out of 85 cases, 21 were from the port area. In Visakhapatnam district, out of 92 cases, 9 were from the port zone. In Nellore district, out of 62 total cases, 6 were related to Krishnapatnam port, he said. Mr. Manohar said any misuse, or black market in PDS rice would be met with zero tolerance and strict legal action. The government's aim, he stressed, was to ensure transparency and accountability, while supporting legitimate trade and protecting the public food system.
The Hindu
06-07-2025
- The Hindu
One arrested for smuggling PDS rice near Tiruchi
An illegal smuggling racket involving Public Distribution System (PDS) rice was busted here in an operation led by Deputy Superintendent of Police Vincent, along with Inspector Ramkumar, sub-inspector, and a team of police personnel from the Civil Supplies Criminal Investigation Department (CS-CID). Acting on a tip-off, the team conducted patrols across Manapparai, Puthanatham, and Thuvarankurichi areas. Based on the intelligence received, they intercepted a vehicle near Thettur division road and seized 21 bags — amounting to 1,075 kg. — of ration rice being transported illegally. The arrested individual was identified as T. Pandi Selvam, a resident of Otha Kovilpatti in Melur, Madurai. The rice was allegedly being smuggled for sale in the black market. Police also seized a two-wheeler which was used for the transportation. The accused was arrested and lodged in Central Prison.
Time of India
03-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
To streamline food grain distribution, UP to construct 75-100 Annapurna Bhawans in each district
Lucknow: In a bid to streamline the Public Distribution System (PDS) and enhancing the accessibility of food grains through ration shops, the UP cabinet on Tuesday announced the construction of ration shops/Annapurna Bhawan using alternate financial means. Besides Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MNREGS), these buildings will be constructed under various central and state govt schemes such as Sansad Nidhi, Vidhayak Nidhi, Tourism Development Funds, and Bundelkhand Vikas Nidhi, or through any other govt-approved scheme. The construction aims to ensure the smooth and permanent availability of food grains to eligible cardholders. In areas where such funding schemes are unavailable, arrangements will be made through the department of food and civil supplies by utilizing departmental savings. The govt has planned an annual construction of 75 to 100 Annapurna Bhawan across each district, depending on local needs and feasibility. Along with construction a provision has been made for the maintenance and upkeep of these buildings to ensure their long-term utility. This initiative is expected to enhance the efficiency and reliability of the PDS, especially in rural and underdeveloped regions, by providing permanent structures for ration distribution.
Time of India
27-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
FM Sitharaman lauds fintechs for boosting digital infrastructure, empowering small businesses and welfare delivery
Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Tuesday acknowledged India's fintech firms' contribution to expanding the country's digital public infrastructure (DPI) and in enabling seamless, secure and inclusive financial services for merchants and micro and small medium enterprises. Sitharaman was visiting Pine Labs, a digital fintech company, in Noida, and witnessed demonstrations on innovative Fintech solutions being developed around prepaid instruments, the Account Aggregator (AA) framework, and digital services used in the Public Distribution System (PDS) and other government schemes & services. During her visit she also interacted with individuals who greatly benefitted from India's growing fintech ecosystem and robust digital public infrastructure (DPI). by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Why Seniors Are Snapping Up This TV Box, We Explain! Techno Mag Learn More Undo The finance minister in the past has also hailed DPI while noting that direct benefit transfer systems have aided about 650 million people who received $322 billion directly into their accounts, leading to overall savings of more than $27 billion just across key central government services and schemes. 'Leveraging the potential of identity and payments through DPI alone, India's record opening of 462.5 million low-cost bank accounts with 56% of account holders being women. This has enabled us to transform the govt service delivery by building the world's largest direct benefit transfer systems,' she had earlier said in a speech. Live Events
