Fairprice dealers should strengthen PDS: Minister

Vijayawada, July 12 (UNI) Andhra Pradesh Civil Supplies Minister K V Krishna Reddy today asked fairprice shop dealers to avoid irregularities in the distribution of essential commodities to the poor for strengthening the Public Distribution System (PDS).

Addressing the state conference of the fair price dealers here, the minister said the government was spending morethan Rs 4,500 crore on public distribution system for the benefit of the poor.

The government had distributed about 2.23 lakh ration cards, of which 1.80 lakh white ration cards were distributed for the benefit of middle class and downtrodden people through 'iris' system at an expenditure of Rs 140 crore, he said.

He said the government had taken several measures to curb the soaring prices of essential commodites particularly onions and tomato.

As per the direction from Chief Minister Y S Rajasekhra Reddy, the onions were being procured from Maharashtra and selling it at Rs Seven per kg in all Rytu bazars across the state, the minister said.

The government had released 3,500 quintals of Red gram to Rytu bazars for selling it to consumers at Rs 31 per kg, he said and added it would continue till the prices stabilize.

Referring to the demands of the fairprice shop dealers to increase the commission, loan and insurance facility, among other things, he assured that he would discuss with Chief Minister and authorities concerned to take a suitable decision on their demands.

UNI