Measures being taken to prevent diversion of PDS rice, says Nadendla Manohar

Minister for Civil Supplies Nadendla Manohar has announced that three internal check posts have been set up in Visakhapatnam Port area for continual monitoring of trucks carrying rice.

Addressing a media conference at the Government Circuit House here on Monday (October 13), Mr. Manohar said that the check posts were set up at the Gateway CFS at Gajuwaka, Sravan CFS, Sheelanagar, and at BPL Integral CFS at Peda Gantyada, and they have already started functioning. The check posts would be open round-the-clock, and 33 staff members have been appointed to work in three shifts.

The Minister said that several reforms were introduced in the Civil Supplies department in the last one year. Quality fortified rice was being supplied to consumers, and measures were being taken to ensure that the rice was not diverted to the black market. A total of 700 rapid kits have been launched to ascertain whether a particular stock of rice was PDS rice or otherwise. The rapid kits would contain potassium thiocyanide and hydrochloric acid bottles.

When the liquid was sprayed on the rice samples, the colour of the rice would change to red, if it was fortified rice, being supplied by the government. There would be no change in colour, if the rice was that being sold by local traders in the open market. He explained that in the past, when rice was caught, the samples had to be sent to the lab for testing, which used to cause undue delays and difficulties in proving the guilt of the accused in court. The new rapid kits would enable immediate identification of PDS rice and seizure, if it was being smuggled.

The Minister said that there would be no compromise in enforcement, and those who indulge in illegal activities would not be spared. He said that reforms in the Civil Supplies department were being introduced in A.P. as no where else in the country. Measures were initiated against those, who had indulged in the illegal transport of PDS rice through the Kakinada Port in the past, and the vehicles were seized.

Smart Rice Cards

Mr. Manohar said that Smart Rice Cards, with QR code, were distributed to 4.42 crore eligible persons in the State. Around 89% of the cardholders were availing of PDS rice. Those having complaints regarding PDS rice supply could dial the toll free no. 1967. The cardholders could obtain the PDS rice from any of the 29,752 Fair Price shops in A.P.

Civil Supplies Commissioner Saurabh Gaur explained about the benefits of fortified rice in which multivitamins and iron would be mixed.

Civil Supplies Corporation MD Manzeer Jeelani, Joint Collector Mayur Ashok, District Manager (Civil Supplies) Srilatha and DSO Bhaskara Rao were among those who were present.