Andhra Pradesh Civil Supplies Minister Nadendla Manohar on Friday announced that the department would provide ration to senior citizens and differently-abled individuals for the last five days prior to every month.
Doorstep Delivery from 26th to 30th of Each Month in Andhra Pradesh
The minister informed that this decision has been made to facilitate doorstep delivery for elderly people and disabled individuals, which would now be executed between 26th and 30th of each month, essentially the ration for the next month for them will be distributed in the last five days of the previous month.
“The home delivery service benefitted nearly 13 lakh elderly and differently-abled persons, achieving 83 per cent coverage”, said Manohar in an official release.
Majority of Ration Delivered Through Fair Price Shops in Andhra Pradesh
The minister said that out of a total of 1.46 crore cardholders in the state, more than 1.3 crore beneficiaries have so far received ration supplies through 29,796 fair price shops.
Over 89 per cent of the ration distribution was done during the first 15 days of June, Manohar added.
Dealers Urged to Promote Transparency and Cleanliness
The minister told the dealers to take the lead in tribal, far-flung areas and show ration calendars and Quick Response codes for comments outside each fair price shop.
He emphasized hygiene in shops and stated that measures must be taken to raise dealer earnings in association with the central government for long-term and transparent supply chain management.
Dealers to Act as Communication Link with Citizens
He also added that dealers need to serve as a connection between citizens and the government by providing information on supply problems and providing quality competitive services in order to enhance citizen satisfaction.
The government is heading towards paperless governance, and dealers need to be prepared to make changes for increased efficiency and transparency in the ration distribution system, Manohar stated.
Ration Timings Fixed for First 15 Days of Every Month
The minister said that the ration distribution is scheduled between 8 am and noon and 4 pm-8pm from 1 to 15 of every month across the state.
Similarly, Manohar directed rice millers to encourage farmers to grow fine rice during Kharif season, aligning with public demand and export market opportunities.
Focus on Consumption and Export of Fine Rice
“Millers should work collectively to ensure that farmers earn profits and the government’s reputation remains intact,” said Manohar in the official release.
The rice millers have to go ahead not only with an eye on consumption in the country but also on rice exports, according to the leader of the Janasena party.
The government is encouraging the use of fine rice, with an eye on the eating habits of people, he stated. The rice millers, therefore, should take a key role in having farmers move in that direction, he added.
