PNS|Vijayawada
In a major step towards streamlining ration distribution and ensuring food security for the poor, the Andhra Pradesh government has announced a new system of supplying rations twice a day for 15 days each month through Fair Price Shops (FPS), starting June 1.
Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan said the previous government had shut down FPS operations and spent Rs 1,600 crore on vehicles to deliver rations door-to-door. However, the system failed, with delivery vans arriving only once or twice a month at junction points, forcing many daily-wage workers to lose workdays waiting for supplies.
Now, under the leadership of Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, the government has launched a thorough probe into irregularities in the Public Distribution System (PDS), after large-scale illegal diversion of rice—running into thousands of tonnes—was detected at Kakinada and Visakhapatnam ports.
To fix these lapses and ensure regular access, the new system will see rations distributed from the 1st to the 15th of every month during two time slots: 8 AM to 12 Noon and 4 PM to 8 PM, at designated FPS centres. This is expected to reduce congestion and improve convenience.
In a pro-poor measure, the government will also home-deliver rations to senior citizens above 65 years and differently-abled persons, ensuring inclusivity and dignity.
Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan urged beneficiaries to avail the improved system, which is being implemented under the supervision of Civil Supplies Minister Nandendla Manohar.
Manohar to open FPS in Pithapuram today
As part of the FPS relaunch, Civil Supplies Minister Nandendla Manohar will inaugurate a new Fair Price Shop today in Ward 18 of Pithapuram town, represented by Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan.
Later, the Minister will lay the foundation stone for the Sri Sakileshwara Swamy Temple and attend the installation of the newly appointed Chairman of the Pithapuram Agricultural Market Committee.
