HYDERABAD: Elaborate arrangements have been made in Huzurnagar for the grand launch of the Telangana government’s ambitious free fine rice scheme, which will be formally inaugurated by Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy on the occasion of Ugadi on Sunday.
Irrigation and Civil Supplies Minister Capt. N. Uttam Kumar Reddy reviewed the preparations on Saturday at Rajiv Gandhi Grounds in Huzurnagar, the main venue for the launch. He inspected the stage, public arrangements, and logistical readiness for the large public meeting that would follow the inauguration.
Ahead of the event, the Minister conducted a whirlwind tour of Huzurnagar and Kodad constituencies and held coordination meetings with Congress leaders and workers to ensure smooth execution and high public participation. He described the initiative as a “historic occasion,” highlighting that the scheme is designed to ensure food security for nearly 84% of Telangana’s population and is being introduced for the first time in the country.
During the review meetings, Uttam Kumar Reddy said the free fine rice scheme is not merely a government programme but a revolutionary welfare initiative that will significantly impact poor and middle-class families. He said the Congress government in Telangana is implementing the scheme with strong political will and administrative commitment.
He urged Congress workers and local leaders to ensure that every household is informed of the scheme’s benefits and that all eligible beneficiaries attend the launch. “Every citizen should feel they are part of this historic moment,” he said.
The Minister noted that Telangana is the first Indian state to launch such a large-scale food security initiative, fulfilling the vision of Congress leader Sonia Gandhi. “She always dreamt of ensuring food security for the poor, and the Revanth Reddy Government is now turning that dream into reality,” he added.
He stated that over 3.10 crore people, covering about 84% of the State’s population, would benefit from the free fine rice scheme. In preparation, the government procured 24 lakh metric tonnes of paddy from 4.41 lakh farmers during the Kharif season and encouraged fine rice cultivation by offering a bonus of ₹500 per quintal. A total of ₹1,199 crore has been disbursed as bonuses.
Uttam Kumar Reddy said the decision to implement the scheme followed studies showing widespread dissatisfaction with coarse rice, which was often unused or sold off.
Currently, Telangana has 89.73 lakh white ration cards covering 2.8 crore people. After the government’s announcement to issue cards to all eligible families, 30 lakh new applications have been received. With new beneficiaries included, the total coverage will rise to 3.10 crore.
The Minister added that new ration cards will be issued soon. White cards will continue with the tricolour design, while Above Poverty Line (APL) cards will be issued in green.
Telangana to launch fine rice scheme for 84% population on March 30
The government also plans to expand fair price shops by supplying essential commodities beyond rice. To support fair price dealers, a hike in commission is under active consideration to ensure their sustainable livelihood.
Calling the scheme a landmark in India’s welfare history, Uttam Kumar Reddy said Telangana is setting an example for other states by prioritising food security in its governance.
The Honourable Chief Minister of Telangana @revanth_anumula will formally launch Telangana’s ambitious fine rice (sanna biyyam) distribution scheme on March 30 at a public meeting in Huzurnagar. pic.twitter.com/i3gE2KTCpo
— Uttam Kumar Reddy (@UttamINC) March 29, 2025
