AP to Supply Subsidised Tur Dal, Palm Oil Through Ration Shops
Andhra Pradesh government will soon distribute tur dal and palm oil at subsidised prices through ration shops alongside the subsidised onions that are already being sold at ₹35 a kg.
Vijayawada: Andhra Pradesh government will soon distribute tur dal and palm oil at subsidised prices through ration shops alongside the subsidised onions that are already being sold at ₹35 a kg, state Civil Supplies minister Nadendla Manohar announced on Wednesday.
Launching the subsidised onion sales programme in Vijayawada, he said the government is closely monitoring price differences in the open market amid global developments, including wars, the oil crisis, and the impact of El Niño.
Measures are being taken to ensure that rising prices do not add to the financial burden of ordinary families.
Manohar pointed out that the centre and National Cooperative Consumers’ Federation (NCCF) are supporting the onions’ programme.
With onion prices crossing ₹70 a kg in the open market, the government decided to make onions available at ₹35 a kg at all 115 Rythu bazars in the state.
Each consumer will be eligible to purchase two kg through Aadhaar authentication.
The minister said the centre has agreed to supply 1.20 lakh metric tonnes of tur dal to Andhra Pradesh, enabling its sale to consumers at lower prices through ration shops.
Palm oil would also be made available through the public distribution system in the coming days.
Manohar maintained that the government has already responded to the rise in rice prices by arranging sales of BPT super-fine rice through 400 special counters at ₹48 and ₹52 a kg.
He maintained that there is no shortage of rice or foodgrains in the country.
Adequate stocks are available for the next three years.
He appealed to people not to believe social media reports claiming otherwise.
The minister said officials are intensifying surveillance to prevent hoarding and diversion of foodgrains and essential commodities to the black market.
Strict action would be taken against those involved in hoarding.
In the upcoming Kharif season, Manohar said, the state government has set a target of procuring 37 lakh metric tonnes of paddy.
He acknowledged some quality issues in the first consignment of onions supplied through Rythu bazars. He said onions would be graded before their sale.
Steps would be taken to ensure better-quality consignments in future, the minister added.