Hyderabad: The Centre directed all states to begin ration rice distribution in advance so beneficiaries avoid long queues during the intense summer months.
The Union Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution issued the order on Wednesday. Authorities will supply rice meant for April, May and June in a single phase.
Officials said the decision would reduce hardship for poor families who often wait for hours at fair price shops. Meanwhile, the Meteorological Department warned that temperatures may rise sharply in the coming weeks. Therefore, authorities decided to complete the grain supply before peak summer conditions.
States asked to supply three-month rice quota early
In Telangana, about 3.20 crore beneficiaries will receive the food grain allocation ahead of schedule. Under the three-month quota, each person will get 18 kilograms of rice.
For example, a family with four members will receive 72 kilograms at once. Officials said the step would help households manage food needs during the hot season.
The Centre also asked states and Union Territories to procure food grains early under the National Food Security Act. This move aims to avoid storage and logistics challenges during the procurement period.
Accordingly, the Department of Food and Public Distribution directed states to lift the April–June allocation in advance and ensure ration rice distribution reaches eligible beneficiaries on time.
