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.