Latest news with #SaurabhGaur
New Indian Express
3 days ago
- Business
- New Indian Express
Steps taken for smooth Fair Price shop services in Andhra Pradesh
VIJAYAWADA: With all the arrangements completed for the resumption of ration distribution through Fair Price Shops (FPS) across the State from June 1, the traditional public distribution model is set to make a comeback and end the reign of the Mobile Dispensing Units (MDUs). The Civil Supplies Department has conducted successful trial runs and service camps to ensure dealers and infrastructure are fully equipped. Civil Supplies Minister Nadendla Manohar, accompanied by Commissioner Saurabh Gaur, inspected the trial run and reviewed preparedness for the rollout. This strategic shift follows growing dissatisfaction with the MDU system due to irregular deliveries, technical glitches, and significant operational costs, nearly Rs 385 crore annually. Beneficiaries often faced difficulties locating MDU vehicles, resulting in missed rations and inconvenience, particularly in rural and low-connectivity areas. The reinstated FPS model is designed to be more accessible and accountable. Ration shops will now operate daily, including Sundays, from 8 am to 12 noon and 4 pm to 8 pm, with distribution scheduled between the 1st and 15th of each month. To enhance convenience and equity, the government has arranged for doorstep delivery of rations between June 1 and 5 to senior citizens above 65 years, persons with disabilities, and elderly couples. Beneficiaries who have relocated to other areas can avail themselves of rations from any FPS under the portability system.
New Indian Express
4 days ago
- Business
- New Indian Express
Ration distribution to resume June 1 with improved transparency and doorstep delivery: Minister Nadendla Manohar
VIJAYAWADA: Civil Supplies Minister Nadendla Manohar has announced that fair price shops across the State will resume distributing essential commodities to ration cardholders starting June 1, emphasising seamless delivery to uphold public trust. Speaking after inspecting the trial run of essentials' distribution at Ration Shop No. 218 in Vijayawada on Thursday, he urged dealers to ensure transparency in the public distribution system. Accompanied by Civil Supplies Commissioner Saurabh Gaur, he also visited a service camp at the Sub-Collector's office to review e-POS, and weighing machine maintenance, ensuring operational readiness. Manohar highlighted the NDA government's commitment to eliminating irregularities, with measures like home delivery of ration for the differently-abled, and those over 65 by the 5th of every month. Ration shops will operate from the 1st to 15th, including Sundays, from 8 am to 12 pm and 4 to 8 pm. WhatsApp groups will provide real-time updates to cardholders, and ensure uninterrupted supply of ration. Dealers were instructed to maintain the shop premises clean, besides adhering to accurate measurements. He criticised the previous YSRCP government's Mobile Dispensing Unit system, which caused delays and forced cardholders to chase delivery vehicles. The new software, tested during the trial, uses biometric authentication for streamlined PDS distribution. A portability feature allows cardholders to get ration at nearby shops, while a dedicated app tracks stock and distribution to curb corruption.
