Andhra Pradesh Minister for Civil Supplies, Food, and Consumer Affairs, Nadendla Manohar, has expressed strong discontent over the activities of the ration mafia, condemning the illegal transportation of subsidized rice meant for the poor. He criticized individuals involved in the illicit smuggling of ration rice while both central and state governments provide subsidized rice to benefit the underprivileged.
Speaking in the Legislative Assembly, Manohar revealed that since the formation of the coalition government, 1,010 cases have been registered related to the illegal transportation of rice, and over 60,000 metric tons of rice have been seized. He warned that the arrest of those involved in such illegal activities was inevitable, emphasizing that no one engaged in corruption within the ration system would escape accountability.
Manohar further highlighted that statewide inspections of rice mills are ongoing, with checks already conducted in Krishna, Godavari, Guntur, and Palnadu districts. He personally supervised some of these inspections and urged authorities in each district to remain vigilant against illegal rice transportation.
The minister also pointed out that during previous inspections of 13 rice mills in Kakinada, criminal cases had been filed, and check posts had been set up to prevent the export of rice meant for the poor to other countries.
As part of the reforms, Manohar shared that under the supervision of the Joint Collector, police, revenue, and civil supplies officials are working together to ensure that rice exports are only allowed with an NOC certificate from port authorities. He called on citizens to prevent the illegal transportation of rice, which is purchased at ₹43.40 per kilogram for distribution to the poor.
Manohar also mentioned that some involvement of Endowment Department (EDU) operators in the illegal diversion of PDS rice had been identified. As a result, the Kakinada Joint Collector imposed fines on eight EDU operators and removed one operator from their post.