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

Minister for Civil Supplies Nadendla Manohar has introduced that three inner examine posts have been arrange in Visakhapatnam Port space for continuous monitoring of vans carrying rice.

Addressing a media convention on the Government Circuit House right here on Monday (October 13), Mr. Manohar mentioned that the examine posts had been arrange on the Gateway CFS at Gajuwaka, Sravan CFS, Sheelanagar, and at BPL Integral CFS at Peda Gantyada, and so they have already began functioning. The examine posts could be open round the clock, and 33 workers members have been appointed to work in three shifts.

The Minister mentioned that a number of reforms had been launched within the Civil Supplies division within the final one 12 months. Quality fortified rice was being equipped to shoppers, and measures had been being taken to make sure that the rice was not diverted to the black market. A complete of 700 speedy kits have been launched to establish whether or not a selected inventory of rice was PDS rice or in any other case. The speedy kits would comprise potassium thiocyanide and hydrochloric acid bottles.

When the liquid was sprayed on the rice samples, the color of the rice would change to crimson, if it was fortified rice, being equipped by the federal government. There could be no change in color, if the rice was that being bought by native merchants within the open market. He defined that previously, when rice was caught, the samples needed to be despatched to the lab for testing, which used to trigger undue delays and difficulties in proving the guilt of the accused in courtroom. The new speedy kits would allow instant identification of PDS rice and seizure, if it was being smuggled.

The Minister mentioned that there could be no compromise in enforcement, and those that bask in unlawful actions wouldn’t be spared. He mentioned that reforms within the Civil Supplies division had been being launched in A.P. as no the place else within the nation. Measures had been initiated in opposition to these, who had indulged within the unlawful transport of PDS rice via the Kakinada Port up to now, and the automobiles had been seized.

Smart Rice Cards

Mr. Manohar mentioned that Smart Rice Cards, with QR code, had been distributed to 4.42 crore eligible individuals within the State. Around 89% of the cardholders had been availing of PDS rice. Those having complaints concerning PDS rice provide may dial the toll free no. 1967. The cardholders may acquire the PDS rice from any of the 29,752 Fair Price retailers in A.P.

Civil Supplies Commissioner Saurabh Gaur defined about the advantages of fortified rice through which multivitamins and iron could be combined.

Civil Supplies Corporation MD Manzeer Jeelani, Joint Collector Mayur Ashok, District Manager (Civil Supplies) Srilatha and DSO Bhaskara Rao had been amongst those that had been current.