Tirupati sets up 28 outlets to sell subsidised quality rice

Tirupati: In a proactive move to buffer consumers against soaring open-market prices, the State government has operationalized 28 special outlets across Tirupati district to supply fine-quality rice at heavily subsidized rates.

District Collector Dr S Venkateswar, along with Tirupati MLA Arani Srinivasulu, TUDA Chairman Divakar Reddy, Greenery and Beautification Chairperson Sugunamma, and Joint Collector R Govind Rao, formally inaugurated the dedicated sales center at the Rythu Bazaar on Monday.

Speaking on the occasion, Collector Venkateswar detailed that the Civil Supplies Department is distributing two varieties of fine BPT rice significantly below market values.

Steamed BPT rice, currently retailing in the open market between ₹65 and ₹70 per kg, is being supplied at ₹52 per kg. Raw BPT rice, usually priced at ₹58 to ₹62 per kg, is available at ₹50 per kg. Under this welfare framework, each ration cardholder can purchase 26 kg of rice per month in a single pre-packaged bag.

Highlighting the necessity of the program, the Collector noted that El Niño conditions caused a 22 percent rainfall deficit in Tirupati district during June and July, leading to drought-like circumstances across 22 districts statewide.

The market intervention program aims to prevent speculative hoarding and cushion poor and middle-class households from rising food inflation.

MLA Arani Srinivasulu reaffirmed the NDA government’s commitment to public welfare under Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan, and Civil Supplies Minister Nadendla Manohar. RDO Rammohan, Civil Supplies Officer Seshachala Raju, and Urban Tahsildar Suresh Babu were also present.