Major decision by Telangana government to control rice prices

The Telangana Civil Supplies Department announced a significant step on Monday to bring rice prices under control. According to the new rule, local retailers will now be able to procure rice stock directly from rice millers instead of depending on wholesalers and traders. For this process, retailers will have to contact the respective District Civil Supplies Officer (DCSO) to place their indent, i.e., demand for stock.

In light of recent claims made by shopkeepers regarding stock shortages, the Civil Supplies Department has issued strict instructions. The department has firmly warned middlemen against spreading rumours regarding shortages to hike prices. The Director of Civil Supplies and Chief Rationing Officer (CRO), G.V. Shyam Prasad, has requested local retailers not to be intimidated by this artificial pressure or increase prices because of it.

This announcement comes approximately ten days after the government fixed prices for three types of premium rice. As per the Maximum Retail Price (MRP) fixed by the government, the limit has been set at ₹66 per kg for BPT and KNM rice, ₹74 per kg for RNR and Telangana Sona, while for the popular HMT and JSR varieties, the limit is ₹79 per kg. Retailers have been directed to clearly display this MRP.

Additionally, inspections were carried out by the department's Enforcement Task Force and Legal Metrology, which revealed several violations in rice sales. The investigation uncovered cases such as underweight bags (e.g., putting a 26 kg label on a 25 kg bag) and applying an MRP higher than the original price. The Civil Supplies Department announced on Monday that they are preparing to take action under the PD Act against repeat offenders.

The Telangana Civil Supplies Department is the government agency responsible for the distribution and price regulation of food grains and other essential commodities in the state. It ensures the maintenance of adequate grain supply and its availability at fair prices.