20,000 mt steamed rice earmarked for welfare schemes

The Telangana Civil Supplies department has rolled out stricter quality norms for rice supplied under the Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS), mandating sharper limits on broken grains from the upcoming Kharif Marketing Season (KMS) 2026 - 27.

At a high-level meeting with rice millers, Civil Supplies Commissioner M. Stephen Raveendra outlined the Government of India’s directive requiring Custom Milled Rice (CMR) to contain not more than 10% broken grains in raw rice and 5% in boiled rice across the country.

The Commissioner urged the millers to upgrade milling infrastructure to meet the enhanced standards. The Telangana Rice Millers Association extended full support, agreeing to implement the revised quality parameters in toto.

In a parallel move aimed at improving nutritional standards, the department announced exclusive supply of steamed rice for Other Welfare Schemes (OWS), including the "Mid-Day Meal Scheme" and government hostels. Millers have committed to supplying 20,000 Metric Tonnes of steamed rice exclusively for these welfare initiatives, ensuring better-quality and more nutritious meals for children and students.

Reaffirming its focus on food safety and public welfare, the department said it will closely monitor compliance and continue strengthening distribution standards across the state. The meeting was attended by Association President D. Nagender, General Secretary Mohan Reddy and other representatives.