Telangana Government to Launch Fine Rice Scheme for BPL Families on 30 March

The Government of Telangana will unveil a state-wide scheme to provide sanna biyyam (fine rice) to eligible ration card holders, beginning on 30 March 2025, with a ceremonial launch in Huzurnagar, Suryapet district. The initiative will be led by Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy and Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka, according to Irrigation and Civil Supplies Minister N. Uttam Kumar Reddy, who made the announcement in an official communication on Friday.

Describing the move as “historic and revolutionary”, the minister said it marked the first time any Indian state had committed to supplying quality, edible rice free of cost to every BPL citizen.

From Wastage to Worth: Ending the Era of Coarse Grain

For years, ration card beneficiaries in Telangana—numbering around 2.81 crore—have been receiving coarse grain rice through the PDS, much of which goes uneaten. “An estimated 70–80% of the current rice distributed is either returned to the system or diverted to poultry farms and breweries,” said Uttam Kumar Reddy.

This not only defeats the purpose of the food security programme but also represents a massive financial burden. The Government, he noted, is spending nearly ₹40 per kilogram on coarse rice, with an annual outlay of over ₹10,665 crore by both Central and State governments. “Despite this expenditure, the people who need it the most are not benefiting,” the minister wrote. “That ends now.”

Ugadi Launch, Expanded Access

The launch of fine rice distribution is timed to coincide with Ugadi, the Telugu New Year—symbolically underscoring the government’s pledge to reset priorities in favour of the poor. The constituency-level rollout of the scheme is set to begin in the first week of April.

In parallel, the government is also undertaking a major rationalisation and expansion of ration cards. For the first time in years, the state is issuing new ration cards and allowing the inclusion of new family members—a process previously restricted under the former administration.

New cards will be colour-coded for clarity: Tri-colour for BPL families and Green for Above Poverty Line (APL) households. With these changes, the number of PDS beneficiaries is expected to rise to 3.10 crore from the existing 2.81 crore.

A Promise Delivered

“This isn’t just about rice—it’s about restoring dignity and improving the lives of our people,” said Minister Reddy, who credited Chief Minister Revanth Reddy’s leadership for the bold policy shift. He invited citizens and public representatives to attend the inaugural event in Huzurnagar, calling it a moment of pride and progress for the state.

Key Figures:

Launch Date: 30 March 2025

Venue: Huzurnagar, Suryapet district

Beneficiaries: 3.10 crore (estimated)

Annual Spending: ₹10,665 crore

Rice Variety: Fine rice (Sanna Biyyam) replacing coarse grain

Card Colour Scheme: Tri-colour (BPL), Green (APL)