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9 hours ago
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Andhra Pradesh Minister Nadendla Manohar
VIJAYAWADA: The seizure of large quantities of PDS rice from ships just before they were about to sail a few months ago has shaken the rice smuggling mafia in the state. With surprise checks and constant monitoring of PDS rice diversion, civil supplies and consumer affairs minister Nadendla Manohar has kept illicit traders on edge over the past year.
His proactive approach has helped millions of paddy farmers receive payments within 24–48 hours. The civil supplies department has become one of the most prominent in the government since the Naidu-led NDA came to power last June.Although several reforms have been introduced in just one year, Manohar feels the supply of fine-quality rice to the midday meal programme for schoolchildren is the NDA government’s biggest achievement. “It is close to my heart. Among all decisions, this is the most satisfying,” said Manohar in an exclusive interview with TOI. He added that the government plans to supply fine-quality rice through PDS shops to prevent the recycling of PDS rice.You have introduced several reforms in the department. How do you view the journey over the last year?
- It has been really challenging. This is one of the few departments that directly connects with every household in the state. We interact with millions of poor people, children, farmers, rice millers and PDS distributors. Every day brings new challenges, as we must manage both suppliers and consumers without letting anyone suffer.
Your surprise inspections of rice mills, godowns and even ships have made waves across the state. Has rice recycling been fully stopped?
- Our surprise raids and stock seizures have scared illegal traders. We have seized around 70,000 metric tonnes of PDS rice during these raids, showing the scale of illegal operations. Chief minister Chandrababu Naidu and deputy chief minister Pawan Kalyan have given me full freedom to act tough, as the government spends thousands of crores on subsidies. However, stopping diversion entirely is an ongoing process.
Is it really possible to stop PDS rice recycling?
- Yes, absolutely. We have developed a multi-pronged strategy. We’re also creating awareness among consumers. Despite improving PDS rice quality, many still hesitate to use it. We are working hard to change this perception. At the same time, we’re remodelling PDS shops into mini retail malls to make them more profitable. All 29,000 shops will be fitted with CCTV cameras to ensure transparency.
How did you manage to complete paddy procurement so smoothly?
- It’s one of the government's major achievements. We procured about 48 lakh metric tonnes of paddy during Kharif and Rabi, spending nearly Rs 12,000 crore in the past year. We transferred money to farmers' accounts within 24 hours and cleared Rs 1,700 crore in dues left by the previous YSRCP government.
Can fine-quality rice be supplied through PDS despite the gap between demand and production?
- We are encouraging farmers to grow fine varieties, as much of the stock we currently procure is not suitable for local consumption. We believe that farmers will grow more fine-quality rice if they get the right price. Change will come gradually.
There have been complaints about ration card services. How are these being handled?
- There are indeed many issues with ration cards. We are resolving them systematically. Many people want to split cards to qualify for other welfare schemes like pensions. We are handling such cases carefully.
How did you manage to start supplying fine-quality rice for the midday meal programme right from the first day of school reopening?
- We prepared in advance and implemented the plan on time. This is the government’s biggest success, in my opinion. I’m extremely pleased that we’re providing good-quality rice for children’s meals. We are supplying around 2.25 lakh metric tonnes of fine rice for the midday meal scheme.
Why was the Mobile Dispensing Unit (MDU) scheme discontinued?
- After a detailed review, the government found that MDUs had become a channel for diverting PDS rice. The previous YSRCP government allegedly misused around Rs 2,000 crore through MDUs, benefiting illegal traders. We have revitalised PDS shops so people can collect their rations conveniently. We’ll also provide home delivery for elderly and disabled individuals. Additionally, the government has decided to hand over MDUs free of cost to owners so they can start their own businesses.
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