Government to launch biggest food security programme: Uttam
Hyderabad: Irrigation and civil supplies minister N. Uttam Kumar Reddy on Saturday announced that the state government was poised to launch India’s biggest-ever food security programme.
He was addressing a press conference along with deputy chief minister Bhatti Vikramarka Mallu and ministers Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy and Tummala Nageshwara Rao, after a review meeting chaired by Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy.
Describing the initiative as a historic step, Uttam Reddy said that this was aimed at ensuring food security and economic uplift for over 70-73 per cent of the state’s population.
The government will roll out four major welfare schemes on Sunday: Rythu Bharosa (financial assistance for farmers), Indiramma Atmeeya Bharosa (support for landless agricultural workers), Indiramma Indlu (housing for the needy), and issuing ration cards.
"These schemes marking the Republic Day celebrations underline the Congress government's commitment to Dr B .R. Ambedkar's vision of social justice," he stated.
The ceremonial launch is scheduled for Sunday, with events in one select village in each mandal between 1 1 and 2:30 pm.
Highlighting the programme's unparalleled scope, he said, "For the first time in independent India, a state is implementing such a comprehensive food security initiative. This reflects our commitment to celebrate the values enshrined in our Constitution."
The schemes will initially select villages in all mandals, with a full rollout planned in February. Beneficiary identification will continue until March, ensuring that no eligible person is left out.
The issuance of ration cards will adopt a saturation approach, covering all applicants who have previously registered through socio-economic surveys, praja palana, praja vani, or mee seva centres. Those not listed can reapply at Praja Palana Seva kendrams, and the process will continue until every eligible family is included, he said.
Next in the line would be providing quality fine rice free of cost to all BPL households.
Criticising the BRS regime for its neglect of food security, he stated, "This is a landmark initiative that corrects years of negligence. We are committed to ensuring that every eligible individual gets access to quality food and dignified living conditions."
