Metro India News | AMARAVATI

In a significant move aimed at restoring efficiency and accessibility in the Public Distribution System (PDS), Andhra Pradesh’s Civil Supplies Minister Nadendla Manohar announced that from June 1, ration distribution will resume across all 29,796 fair price shops in a festive spirit. The distribution program will be officially launched by the Minister at Fair Price Shop No. 0486014, located at Gandhi Bomma Centre in Pithapuram.

Speaking to the media, Minister Manohar said, “As per the direction of the coalition government, ration dealers are fully prepared to begin supplying essential commodities from June 1. This initiative is a step towards reviving the PDS mechanism, which had been neglected under the previous administration.”

The government has also introduced a home delivery mechanism for senior citizens aged 65 and above and for 15.74 lakh persons with disabilities. Between June 1 and 5 each month, these beneficiaries will receive their ration supplies directly at their homes through their respective ration dealers.

In a major shift from the earlier system, ration supplies will now be distributed daily from the 1st to the 15th of every month, including Sundays. Shops will remain open from 8 AM to 12 PM and again from 4 PM to 8 PM to ensure convenient access for all cardholders. Each ration shop will prominently display pricing boards, stock registers, and relevant posters to maintain transparency.

The Minister also announced the implementation of a portability facility, enabling ration cardholders to collect their supplies from any ration shop of their choice across the state. “This reform gives beneficiaries more flexibility and removes the dependency on a single dealer,” he added.

In a scathing critique of the previous administration, Minister Manohar stated that the mobile delivery system launched with Rs. 1,600 crore investment had failed the poor. “The vehicles were rarely seen, and people had to give up daily wages or jobs just to wait at junctions, not knowing when the supplies would arrive,” he remarked. “Meanwhile, large quantities of rice were illegally diverted. Thousands of tonnes were seized at Kakinada and Visakhapatnam ports during a state-led investigation ordered by Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu.”

Manohar emphasized that the current government is committed to ensuring ration reaches every eligible family without hassle. “This renewed PDS model will reduce crowding, enhance service, and most importantly, restore dignity to the process,” he said. Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan also voiced his support, stating, “Under Minister Nadendla Manohar’s leadership, this initiative will be effectively implemented and bring relief to lakhs of families across the state. I urge all beneficiaries to make full use of the improved services.”