Hyderabad: In a meaningful step towards settling post-bifurcation issues, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh have come to an agreement on sharing Civil Supplies Department assets, while also teaming up on rice exports and reforms in the public distribution system.
At a meeting held at the Civil Supplies Bhavan in Hyderabad, Telangana’s Civil Supplies Minister Capt. N. Uttam Kumar Reddy and Andhra Pradesh Minister Nandela Manohar worked out a phased plan. A key outcome: Telangana will take over half of the Civil Supplies Bhavan that has been lying mostly unused under Andhra’s control since the split. Starting in June, Telangana will take full charge of the building—a big step in streamlining how the department runs day to day.
Other properties that once belonged to the undivided Civil Supplies Corporation and are located in Telangana will be transferred over time, based on how smoothly things go between the two states.
Top officials from both sides, including Principal Secretaries D.S. Chauhan (Telangana) and Saurabh Gaur (Andhra Pradesh), joined the talks. Both ministers said the meeting was productive and rooted in mutual respect and cooperation.
The two states also agreed to work closely on rice exports. Telangana will soon start shipping rice to the Philippines through Kakinada Port, with Andhra Pradesh pitching in by providing port and logistics support, including access to Visakhapatnam and Krishnapatnam for future shipments.
“This is about growing together,” said Manohar. “We’re backing Telangana’s export push and will help however we can with infrastructure.”
They also tackled the problem of PDS rice being smuggled across borders. Plans include joint monitoring, real-time data sharing, and syncing up procedures to stop misuse and tighten the system.
In a refreshing show of teamwork, the ministers said both states would look into each other’s civil supply systems to borrow what works. Andhra is especially interested in Telangana’s Aadhaar-linked ration cards and tech-driven grain tracking, which have already boosted transparency and efficiency.
The conversation also included plans to improve storage facilities, adopt more digital tools, and streamline pricing for fortified rice. Both states aim to align with agriculture departments to promote rice that’s affordable, nutritious, and suits local tastes.
Wrapping up the meeting, the ministers shared a personal moment, reflecting on their long-standing friendship and past as Congress colleagues. Reddy praised Manohar’s key role in shaping the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, and both expressed a strong commitment to working together for the public good.
“This isn’t just about government paperwork,” Manohar said. “It’s a reminder of what we can accomplish through trust, friendship, and a shared purpose.”
Just concluded an excellent meeting with my Dear friend Telangana’s Civil Supplies Minister @UttamKumarReddy garu. Explored use of technology for Paddy procurement, PDS efficiency, asset resolution, and food security initiatives. Committed to strengthening AP-TS ties 🤝 for… pic.twitter.com/OzvFhB2JiB
— Manohar Nadendla (@mnadendla) May 23, 2025
