Over 1,000 cases registered against ration mafia : Manohar

By The Capital

On 13 Nov 2024 18:47:45

Over 1,000 cases registered against ration mafia : Manohar

Andhra Pradesh is intensifying its efforts to curb the illegal diversion of ration rice, with minister for Food,

Andhra Pradesh is intensifying its efforts to curb the illegal diversion of ration rice, with minister for Food, Civil Supplies, and Consumer Affairs Nadendla Manohar revealing in the Legislative Council that authorities have registered 1,010 cases of rice smuggling, seizing a total of 60,000 metric tons of rice. Manohar condemned the actions of what he termed the “ration mafia,” criticizing individuals who exploit subsidized rice provided by the central and state governments to impoverished families.

He emphasized that such illegal activities undermine efforts to support the State’s 1.48 crore ration cardholders, who depend on subsidized rice for nutritional sustenance. To curb smuggling, the government has implemented comprehensive inspections, especially at rice mills across the state. In previous inspections of 13 rice mills in Kakinada, criminal cases were registered, and a total of 5,142,110 metric tons of rice stock was seized. Minister Manohar also conducted inspections personally in districts such as Godavari, Krishna, Guntur, and Palnadu, underscoring the government's commitment to ensuring proper distribution. In an effort to prevent rice meant for the poor from being illegally exported, check posts have been established at key points.

Additionally, under the new reform, rice can only be exported with a No Objection Certificate (NOC) issued by authorities, including police, revenue, and civil supply officials, under the joint collector’s supervision. Some MDU (Mobile Dispensing Unit) operators were found to be involved in illegal practices; eight were fined, and one was suspended in Kakinada for unlawful diversion. The government, acting on instructions from the High Court, recently released 26,488 metric tons of non-PDS rice, worth Rs 83.77 crore, with a bank guarantee, in cases where diversion was proven. Minister Manohar urged the public to remain vigilant and report any illegal activities to ensure that rice reaches its intended beneficiaries, supporting the central and State governments' goal to provide nutritious food for all families in need. Ends//