Uttam warns rice traders against hoarding, fixes Rs 66 price target for BPT rice
Hyderabad: Irrigation and Civil Supplies Minister N Uttam Kumar Reddy warned rice traders and millers against hoarding, black marketing and excessive pricing. He said the government would take strict action against those exploiting consumers. Accordingly, the government had focused on keeping the BPT rice price at Rs 66 per kg for commonly consumed varieties.
Uttam said enforcement operations had intensified across Telangana. In particular, authorities were focusing on wholesale and retail markets in Hyderabad and neighbouring districts. The government aimed to check rising prices and ease the burden on consumers.
The Minister reviewed the price-control measures after Civil Supplies officials held discussions with wholesalers, retailers and rice millers. During the review, Civil Supplies Commissioner Stephen Ravindra briefed him on the enforcement drive. Director of Civil Supplies Shyam Prasad Lal and other senior officials also attended.
BPT rice price enforcement and inspections across markets
The government had identified Rs 66 per kg as the benchmark for commonly consumed BPT rice. However, officials would review the price of RNR rice after taking into account its quality and production costs.
Uttam said traders would not be allowed to make excessive profits at consumers’ expense. He also warned that inspections would continue until market prices stabilised.
As part of the enforcement drive, authorities had registered 12 cases against rice traders over alleged violations. These involved illegal stockpiling and overpricing. In addition, five departments carried out coordinated raids. The teams included officials from Civil Supplies, Police, GST, Legal Metrology and other enforcement authorities.
Inspection teams covered Hyderabad, Rangareddy and Medchal-Malkajgiri districts. They also checked major wholesale markets, including Begum Bazaar, Nampally and Maharajgunj. Furthermore, officials planned to continue raids across Telangana to identify violations and curb excessive pricing.
Uttam assured consumers that the State had adequate rice stocks. Therefore, he appealed to the public against panic buying and unnecessary bulk purchases.
He also urged ration beneficiaries to use the fine rice supplied through fair price shops. According to the Minister, the government sourced this rice from paddy grown by Telangana farmers and processed it within the State.
The government would continue discussions with genuine traders and millers. At the same time, authorities would take strict action against those involved in unfair trade practices.