Hyderabad: The Centre directed states to supply three months of ration rice in advance so beneficiaries avoid long queues during the intense summer.
The Union Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution issued the order to all states on Wednesday. Accordingly, authorities will provide rice for April, May and June in one phase.
Officials said the step would reduce hardship for poor families who wait for hours at fair price shops. Meanwhile, the Meteorological Department warned that temperatures may rise sharply in the coming weeks.
Therefore, authorities decided to complete ration rice distribution before peak summer.
States asked to complete ration rice distribution early
In Telangana, about 3.20 crore beneficiaries will receive the food grain allocation ahead of schedule. Under the three-month quota, each person will receive 18 kilograms of rice.
For instance, a family with four members will receive 72 kilograms at once. Officials said the move would help households manage food needs during the hot season.
Meanwhile, the Centre instructed states and Union Territories to procure food grains under the National Food Security Act in advance until June 2026. The decision also considers storage and logistics challenges during procurement.
Accordingly, the Department of Food and Public Distribution asked states to lift the April–June allocation early and supply the grain to eligible beneficiaries.