Vijayawada, Nov 5 (Representative) Andhra Pradesh Minister for Civil Supplies Nadendla Manohar sought the cooperation of rice millers to contain the illegal transport and export of rice meant for the Public Distribution System. Addressing the meeting organised by the Federation of All India Rice Millers Association here on Monday, he sought the cooperation of rice millers to check the illegal export of PDS rice. He assured the rice miller of resolving their problems and recalled that the issue of reducing the market cess on rice millers from 2 percent to one percent is under consideration. Welcoming the initiation of all rice millers meeting here to resolve their problems, Nadendla Manohar lauded the rice millers, stating that they established rice mills in rural areas and provided jobs to the people of the rural areas. “Let us discuss and study to bring a uniform policy regarding the rice export, transport, and sale of rice in the country,” he stated.
The Minister made it clear that there are over 1,550 rice mills in the state. The erstwhile YSRCP regime had left Rs 41,150 crore arrears to the incumbent government. Though the Civil Supplied department’s turnover is Rs 19,800 crore, the YSRCP regime did not disburse Rs 41,150 payments, he criticised.“The NDA government, after coming to power, has disbursed Rs 1,674 crore to the farmers for their paddy produce, which was purchased by the government. The government has taken steps to disburse money to the farmers within 24 hours of purchasing paddy produce,” he observed. The Minister recalled the cooperation of rice millers in supplying rice to distribute the flood affected victims and lauded them.
“The government will discuss the issue of reducing the 2 percent market cell to one percent after introducing the issue in the Cabinet meeting and subcommittee meeting,” he revealed. Voicing concern over the PDS rice export mafia, Manohar asked the rice millers to distance themselves from the illegal procurement of PDS rice. The Naidu headed government is committed to extend full support to the farmers and the rice millers and address their issues, he told them. Meanwhile, the rice millers promised that they would cooperate with the government in preventing the illegal procurement and export of PDS rice. Earlier, Nadendla Manohar inspected the toll free number 1967 office. He was told by the officials that so far 16,47,000 free gas cylinders have been booked under Deepam-2 scheme. As many as 3000 beneficiaries called 1967 and got their doubts clarified.