Congress MLC Vijayashanthi questions Telangana govt over steep rise in fine rice prices

Hyderabad: Congress MLC Vijayashanthi questioned the Congress government over the steep rise in fine rice prices in Telangana and its failure to regulate them. “Despite Telangana being a leading rice producer, why are people unable to afford rice? Why has the price of a 25-kg rice bag increased from Rs. 1,500 to Rs. 2,500?” she asked.

In a social media post, Vijayashanthi said people were questioning the State government over its failure to control rice prices.

She pointed out that the fine-quality rice currently available in the market came from the previous year’s Vanakalam season and earlier stocks. Production during that period had exceeded public demand, and there was no actual shortage of old-stock rice.

However, analysts have pointed out that any impact of the El Nino phenomenon on rice supplies would likely be felt in the Yasangi crop. Its effects might become apparent only around June next year, she said in a Facebook post.

She said that despite officials claiming to have taken strong measures, rice prices in the market continued to remain high. People were questioning whether traders were creating an artificial shortage through stockpiling or illegal transportation of rice, she said.

Vijayashanthi also raised concerns over irregularities in the distribution of ration rice meant for the poor. These included the presence of deceased persons’ names on ration cards, fake cards, ineligible beneficiaries and the illegal diversion of rice stocks.

“Telangana requires 28.56 lakh tonnes of rice annually. According to officials, as of October 16, the State has stocks of 9.64 lakh tonnes, while another 18.39 lakh tonnes are yet to be received. The government must verify whether these figures reflect the actual position and ensure transparency,” she said.

Vijayashanthi demanded stringent action against millers, traders and officials involved in irregularities in the rice distribution system.