Uttam Kumar Reddy Announces Food Security Program

Telangana Irrigation and Civil Supplies Minister Uttam Kumar Reddy today announced the launch of the State's "largest-ever" food security program for 70-73% of Telangana's population.

"The government is set to roll out four major welfare schemes on Sunday: Rythu Bharosa (financial assistance for farmers), Indiramma Atmiya Bharosa (support for landless agricultural workers), Indiramma Indlu (housing for the needy) and the issuance of ration cards. These schemes, to be launched on the occasion of the 75th Republic Day celebrations, underline the Congress government's commitment to Dr B R Ambedkar's vision of social justice. And the ration cards scheme will enable the government to provide free, quality fine rice to all Below Poverty Line (BPL) households," he said.

As per sources, the ceremonial launch of the schemes will take place in one selected village in each mandal between 1 pm and 2:30 pm, after the Republic Day celebrations. The schemes will be implemented to a saturation level in the chosen villages and then gradually extended to all eligible beneficiaries.

"The issuance of ration cards will follow a saturation model, covering applicants previously registered through socio-economic surveys, Praja Palana, Praja Vani or Mee Seva centres. Those not listed can reapply at the Praja Palana Seva Kendrams. Beneficiary identification will continue until March to ensure that no eligible person is excluded. And once the process of issuing ration cards is complete, the Congress government will provide free, quality fine rice to all Below Poverty Line (BPL) households," he said.

The minister claimed that it was for the first time in independent India that a State was implementing such a comprehensive food security program. He also claimed that this was the first instance of simultaneous implementation of multiple welfare schemes on such a large scale in the country's history.

He criticized the previous BRS regime for "neglecting" food security, and said, "This initiative corrects years of negligence, and underscores our commitment to ensuring that every eligible individual has access to quality food and dignified living conditions. This reflects our dedication to the values enshrined in our Constitution."