Latest news with #PreventiveDetention
Hans India
4 days ago
- Politics
- Hans India
Manohar launches supply of ration through fair price shops
Pithapuram: In an effort to ensure transparency and curb irregularities in the public distribution system (PDS), the Andhra Pradesh government has reintroduced the distribution of essential commodities through fair price shops, announced Minister for Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Nadendla Manohar. Speaking to the media after launching the ration distribution at a PDS outlet in Pithapuram town on Sunday, the Minister highlighted the government's commitment to revamping the ration system for the benefit of the people. The State government has taken steps to distribute essential commodities to 1.46 crore families through a network of 29,761 ration shops across Andhra Pradesh, he said. Beneficiaries are now allowed to collect their ration supplies from any nearby shop, not just the one linked to their ration card, he added. He said that this will offer greater convenience and flexibility. Minister Manohar accused the previous government of misusing nearly ₹1,700 crore of public funds under the guise of doorstep delivery of rations. In contrast, he claimed the current government's revitalisation of ration shops is expected to save Rs385 crore in public funds. Ration shops will now remain open from the 1st to the 15th of every month, operating in two shifts 8 am to 12 pm and 4 pm to 8 pm allowing beneficiaries to collect their supplies at their convenience. For 15.6 lakh specially identified beneficiaries, including the elderly above 65 years and differently-abled persons, home delivery will be ensured by the 5th of each month. To streamline this service, dedicated WhatsApp groups have been formed to monitor deliveries. Dealers have been instructed to upload delivery photos in real time, and any discrepancies in weight or denial of services will result in strict action. Dealers are also advised to ensure the proper functioning of ePoS and weighing machines and to arrange alternate methods in case of tenical issues. The Minister also explained that a new mobile application is being developed to provide real-time updates and transparency in the distribution process. For quick grievance redressal, QR codes are being installed at every ration shop to allow beneficiaries to directly contact higher officials. Minister Manohar stated that soon after the new government assumed office, it took firm steps to curb the ration mafia. Tight security has been deployed at ports like Kakinada and Visakhapatnam to prevent illegal rice smuggling to other States. He further revealed that those involved in smuggling activities have been booked under the Preventive Detention (PD) Act, with security tightened at all ports across the State. This initiative marks a significant move toward restoring integrity and efficiency in the State's public distribution system. Kakinada Rural MLA Pantham Nanaji, Former MLAs SVSN Varma, Pendem Dorababu and others participated in the programme.
Hans India
27-05-2025
- Politics
- Hans India
CM Revanth Reddy Praises Record Paddy Procurement; Directs Officials to Tackle Challenges Proactively
Gadwal: Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, accompanied by ministers and top officials, held a video conference with district collectors to review the progress of paddy procurement, seasonal developments, and government schemes implementation. The Chief Minister highlighted that this year the monsoon arrived 15 days earlier than usual, and Telangana has witnessed a historic procurement of 64.5 lakh metric tonnes of paddy. So far, 90% of the procurement process has been completed, with Rs. 12,184 crore already disbursed to farmers. CM Revanth lauded the efforts of collectors and officials for ensuring timely payments—within 48 hours of procurement—something never achieved before. CM Revanth noted that despite these achievements, some politically motivated incidents and false propaganda are gaining attention. He emphasized the importance of proactive communication by district collectors to counter misinformation and ensure that even small issues are addressed swiftly. He urged collectors to hire local godowns if necessary and warned of strict action against millers or middlemen harassing farmers. With 29% excess rainfall recorded this season, the Chief Minister directed agriculture officials to remain vigilant. Adequate seeds and fertilizers should be made available, and efforts should be made to ensure smooth farming activities. He ordered stringent action against counterfeit seed sellers, even suggesting the invocation of the Preventive Detention (PD) Act if required. On the implementation front, CM Revanth stressed that collectors must frequently visit fields and appoint special officers to oversee operations. Awareness campaigns on the Bhoobharti land registration system must be intensified, particularly for poor farmers. Revenue Sadassu (conferences) under the third phase will be held from June 3 to 20. Emphasizing the importance of the Indiramma Housing Scheme, CM Revanth said the success of housing development depends largely on the collectors. He instructed the formation of Mandal-level price control committees to monitor labor and construction material costs, ensure timely supply of free sand coupons, and provide loans for brick kilns and centering units. He called for identifying practical issues at the field level and adopting new technologies in housing construction. Ministers in charge of districts are scheduled to tour their respective regions on May 29 and 30. A comprehensive report must be submitted by June 1, and the Telangana State Formation Day on June 2 should be celebrated grandly in all districts. District Collector B.Y.M. Santosh, participating in the meeting, revealed that Jogulamba Gadwal district achieved a record-breaking paddy procurement—80,830 metric tonnes as of May 26, a nearly 30-fold increase from last year's 2,890 metric tonnes, representing a 2,697% growth. The Collector instructed officials to ensure swift transportation of stored paddy to mills, increase vehicle availability, and purchase moisture-compliant stock without delay. He further stressed that quality seeds and fertilizers must be made accessible to farmers and mandated agriculture officers to conduct field inspections and take strict action against those selling fake seeds. Tahsildars were directed to expedite Bhoobharti applications and resolve land issues quickly. The Collector also instructed officials to accelerate construction under the Indiramma Housing Scheme so that beneficiaries can move into their new homes at the earliest. Emphasis was placed on field visits and resolving issues directly at the grassroots level. Officials Present: Additional Collectors Lakshminarayana and Narsinga Rao, RDO Srinivasa Rao, Civil Supplies Manager Vimala, Civil Supplies Officer Swami Kumar, Housing PD Srinivasulu, SC Corporation ED Ramesh Babu, Tahsildars Veera Bhadrappa (Ittikyala) and Naresh (Erravalli), Cooperative Officer Srinivas, Marketing Officer Pushpamma, Agriculture Officer Sakriya Naik, LDAM Srinivasulu, and RTO Venkat Ramana Rao, among others.
Hans India
22-05-2025
- Hans India
AP to be ID liquor-free by September 30: Excise PS Mukesh Kumar
Vijayawada: Principal Secretary (Excise) Mukesh Kumar Meena has set a state-wide deadline of September 30 to eradicate illicitly distilled (ID) liquor from Andhra Pradesh under Navodayam 2.0. Chairing a review meeting at Prohibition & Excise Commissioner's Office in Mangalagiri on Wednesday, Mukesh Kumar Meena issued comprehensive directives to Excise officers across the State, calling for intensified enforcement. Focusing on high-incidence districts such as Kakinada, East Godavari, Srikakulam, and Parvathipuram Manyam, Mukesh Kumar instructed the officers to build on previous enforcement experience and launch aggressive, targeted operations to eliminate ID liquor completely. He emphasised that performance will be monitored closely and timelines must be met without exception. In addition to ID liquor, the review covered efforts to curb non-duty paid liquor (NDPL). While acknowledging that the introduction of Rs 99 liquor brands has helped reduce NDPL inflows, he urged the officials to maintain vigilance, especially in districts like Sri Sathya Sai, Anantapur, Kurnool, Nandyal and Annamayya. Emphasising retail regulation, he directed that liquor sales must strictly follow MRP norms and official timings and stressed the importance of preventive action to avoid untoward incidents. Reinforcing administrative discipline, Mukesh Kumar ordered all officers to remain in their headquarters, ensure swift grievance redressal, and implement mandatory night patrolling by senior officers. Director of Excise Nishant Kumar called upon the district officials to respond promptly to public complaints and maintain round-the-clock enforcement readiness. He reiterated the need for strong field presence and quick operational response. Director of Enforcement Rahul Dev Sharma presented a detailed review of ongoing ID liquor cases, NDPL seizures, and pending arrests. He instructed officers to speed up investigations, file charge sheets without delay, and identify suitable cases for invoking the Preventive Detention (PD) Act to deter repeat offenders. Principal Secretary Mukesh Kumar Meena also launched the Diary-cum-Handbook of the AP State Excise Executive Officers Association, reinforcing his focus on coordination and professionalism within the department.
Hans India
21-05-2025
- Hans India
One detained under PD Act
Parvathipuram: Ina significant crackdown on illicit liquor operations, the District Collector and Magistrate of Parvathipuram Manyam A. Shyam Prasad has approved the invocation of the Preventive Detention (PD) Act, resulting in the arrest and detention of one person for having several criminal cases. The action was taken under the ongoing 'Natu Sara Nirmulana Program - Navodayam 2.0', a state-level initiative aimed at curbing the manufacture and distribution of illicit liquor. Excise superentendent B. Srinathudu said that Rayapalli Vinod (31) of Gumada village in Komarada mandal has a record of 11 cases related to the illegal manufacture and sale of ID (illicitly distilled) liquor. Authorities have seized 890 litres of ID liquor and 7 vehicles in connection with these cases. His continued engagement in such activities, which are considered a threat to public safety and order, led to his detention. He has been lodged at Visakhapatnam Central Jail.' Srinathudu said.
The Hindu
16-05-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
CM Revanth for crackdown on spurious seed traders
The government would adopt an 'iron-fist approach against spurious seed traders', said Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy at a high-level review meeting on Friday, which was attended by Agriculture Minister Tummala Nageswara Rao, Adviser Vem Narender Reddy, and senior officials. The CM directed Agriculture officials to be fully prepared for the upcoming monsoon crop season, emphasizing the need for adequate availability of seeds and fertilizers across all districts. He directed District Collectors and police officials to remain vigilant and conduct joint raids through task forces. He reiterated the government's zero tolerance towards those 'cheating' farmers with spurious seeds and fertilizers. He warned of strict legal action against companies and traders involved in the sale of counterfeit agricultural inputs. Mr. Reddy said the government has detailed information on spurious seed operations, including storage, transport, and distribution routes and called for surveillance at state borders. He ordered the invocation of the Preventive Detention (PD) Act against repeat offenders and instructed Chief Secretary Ramakrishna Rao to coordinate with district Collectors, Superintendents of Police, and Commissioners to prevent farmers from facing any hurdles. Emphasizing the importance of buying only packed seeds, the CM asked farmers to save the bills and packaging until the end of the harvest season for accountability. He directed the Agriculture Department to launch a widespread awareness campaign against spurious seeds and companies. The CM also urged farmers to heed IMD's warning about an early monsoon and begin sowing at the appropriate time. Officials told him that all districts currently have adequate stock of seeds and fertilizers. They also stated that the acreage under paddy and cotton cultivation is expected to be high this season, and that all seeds in demand were available in the market.
