Implementation of Rs 500 Gas Cylinder Guarantee Soon: Uttam Kumar Reddy

Hyderabad: N. Uttam Kumar Reddy, Minister for Irrigation, Food & Civil Supplies, has reaffirmed the State government’s commitment to fulfilling the electoral promises, including providing gas cylinders for Rs 500 and a bonus of Rs 500 per quintal for paddy.

These assurances, part of the six guarantees made during the elections, are set to be implemented within the first 100 days of assuming power.

He was addressing a press conference after holding a review meeting on the functioning of the Consumer Affairs, Food and Civil Supplies Department at Civil Supplies Bhavan at Erum Manzil here on Tuesday.

Uttam Kumar Reddy emphasized the department’s crucial role in serving the State’s 2.9 crore population, particularly the underprivileged, through the Public Distribution System (PDS) and other programmes. It also handles the procurement of paddy from the farmers.

He said that the department would play a crucial role in the implementation of two major guarantees given by the Congress party during elections.

“We are committed to providing gas cylinders for Rs 500 and give a bonus of Rs 500 per quintal of paddy within 100 days of power. I’ve conducted a detailed review of the functioning of the Civil Supplies department to get an overview of how these two guarantees could be implemented efficiently,” Uttam said.

He said nearly 11 percent of intended beneficiaries are not using their ration cards. Therefore, the Minister said he would discuss the issue with Chief Minister Revanth Reddy and the State Cabinet would decide on the issue of new ration cards.

Uttam Kumar Reddy revealed that almost 90 percent of rice being provided by the Centre and State for Rs 39.02 per kg was not edible.

“The beneficiaries are selling away the poor quality PDS rice to dealers, idly-dosa units, poultry farms, etc., for as low as Rs 5 per kg. Therefore, the very purpose of supplying free rice to the poor through PDS is not being achieved,” he pointed out.

The Minister directed the officials to conduct an in-depth study on the quality of rice being supplied to the ration card holders and emphasized improving the quality of PDS rice to the beneficiaries.