HYDERABAD: The Telangana government has launched a major welfare initiative to provide fine rice free of cost to ration cardholders across the state. Beginning Tuesday, eligible beneficiaries will receive six kilograms of fine rice per person each month, benefiting over 3.10 crore people—nearly 85% of the state’s population.
Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy officially inaugurated the scheme during a public gathering in Huzurnagar, Suryapet district, coinciding with the Ugadi festival. Addressing the crowd, the Chief Minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring food quality for all citizens. He stated that the era of the poor being forced to consume inferior rice had come to an end.
The rice being distributed under this scheme was procured during the 2024–25 Kharif season, with Nalgonda district contributing a significant share of eight lakh tonnes of fine paddy. The paddy was processed through the Custom Milling Rice (CMR) system and distributed to warehouses across the state. Stocks for the April quota have already been delivered to Mandal Level Stock (MLS) points and ration shops, ensuring smooth implementation.
However, in Hyderabad, the distribution of fine rice has been temporarily suspended due to the enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct for the upcoming local body MLC elections. In the interim, ration cardholders in the city will continue to receive regular rice for the month of April. Officials have stated that the distribution of fine rice in Hyderabad will commence in May, after the election code period ends.
Beneficiaries have welcomed the move, noting the significant financial relief it brings. Previously, many low-income families were forced to purchase fine rice from the open market at a cost of around ₹50 per kilogram. The government’s provision of high-quality rice at no cost is expected to ease the financial strain and improve nutritional access for economically disadvantaged households across Telangana.
