Thummala Warns Ration Cards Could Be Cancelled Over Rice Sales

Telangana Agriculture Minister Thummala Nageswara Rao has warned that beneficiaries who sell the fine rice supplied through the government welfare system could face cancellation of their ration cards.

Speaking at a public meeting in Puthani Thanda of Raghunathapalem mandal in Khammam district on Friday, the minister said subsidised rice was meant to support poor families and should not be misused.

Thummala said reports had reached the government that some beneficiaries were selling the rice they received instead of using it for their households. He described the practice as unacceptable and said officials would identify those involved and take action, including cancellation of their ration cards.

The minister also instructed officials and local representatives to ensure that every eligible poor family, particularly those living in huts, receives an Indiramma house without delay. He said poverty should be the only consideration while selecting beneficiaries and warned that sarpanches could face action if they ignored the issue.

Turning to agriculture, Thummala expressed concern over the possibility of crop losses due to inadequate rainfall this year. Referring to warnings about potential drought conditions, he encouraged farmers to consider oil palm cultivation, which he said can provide good yields with comparatively lower water requirements. He assured farmers that the government would provide the necessary support and facilities free of cost.

Thummala also announced that irrigation water would be released to Raghunathapalem mandal on Friday night, allowing farmers to switch on their pumps from the following day. He directed officials to issue borewell permissions to those holding RVFR pattas.

The minister further said the long pending podu land issue would be resolved soon and assured families dependent entirely on agriculture that the government would support them.

Several development projects were also announced for the mandal. Thummala said roads connecting farms and around 200 dumper roads would be taken up with an estimated investment of Rs 75 crore. He also announced plans to establish a School of Excellence in the area, highlighting the importance of better educational opportunities.

District Collector Divakar TS, Forest Department official Anuj Agarwal and Bhadrachalam ITDA Project Officer Rahul were among the officials present at the programme.