Telangana Free Fine Rice Scheme

The Telangana government launched the Free Fine Rice Scheme on April 1, 2025, to provide quality rice to poor families across the state. Under this scheme:

• Each individual receives 6 kg of fine rice per month.
  
  
• A maximum of 36 kg per family (up to 6 members) is distributed monthly.
  
  
• Over 3 crore beneficiaries are covered under the scheme.
  
  

The scheme aims to supply better quality rice, curb black marketing of coarse rice, and reduce the burden on poor households.

Key Highlights

• Launched by: Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy at Huzurnagar, Suryapet district, as a Ugadi gift.
  
  
• Distribution channel: Public Distribution System (ration shops).
  
  
• Annual expenditure: ₹10,665 crore by state and central governments.
  
  
• Rice procurement: Government purchased fine paddy from farmers with a ₹500 per quintal bonus, milled it, and is now distributing it.
  
  
• Impact: Prevents diversion of coarse rice into black markets and ensures the poor get fine rice.
  
  

Eligibility for Free Fine Rice

Beneficiaries must:

• Hold a White Ration Card.
  
  
• Be residents of Telangana.
  
  
• Not be employees of state or central government.
  
  
• Belong to economically weaker sections already eligible under food security schemes.
  
  

Types of Ration Cards Eligible

1. Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) Cards
   
   
• For widows and disabled persons above 60 years.
  
  
• For landless laborers, small artisans, rickshaw pullers, small farmers, etc.
  
  
2. Antyodaya Food Security Cards (AFSC)
   
   
• Families with annual income below ₹1.5 lakh (rural) / ₹2 lakh (urban).
  
  
• Landholding less than 3.5 acres wet or 7.5 acres dry land.
  
  
3. Food Security Cards (FSC)
   
   
• For families with modest income not falling under the above categories.
  
  

Quantity of Rice Supplied

• 6 kg per person per month.
  
  
• Around 91.19 lakh ration cards already issued (covering 2.82 crore people).
  
  
• Once new ration cards are processed, over 3.10 crore people will be covered.
  
  
• Requires about 1.80 lakh tonnes of rice per month.
  
  
• Additional ₹2,800 crore burden annually on the state government due to switch from coarse to fine rice.
  
  

How to Apply

No separate application is needed for the fine rice scheme. All existing White Ration Card holders automatically qualify.

For new ration cards:

1. Collect the application form from Prajapalana Centres, MeeSeva, or download online.
   
   
2. Fill in details of the applicant and family members.
   
   
3. Submit with required documents (residence proof, Aadhaar, photo, etc.) at the Mandal office or MeeSeva centre with a small fee.
   
   
4. Biometric verification and Aadhaar linking are mandatory.
   
   
5. Officials verify and issue ration cards.
   
   

Check Ration Card Application Status

• Visit the official EPDS Telangana website: epds.telangana.gov.in/FoodSecurityAct
  
  
• Use options like FSC Reference Number, Ration Card Number, Old Card Number, or District to track status.
  
  

Benefits of the Scheme

• Free fine rice distribution ensures nutritional quality.
  
  
• Reduces household food expenses.
  
  
• Enhances food security.
  
  
• Stops black marketing of ration rice.
  
  
• Stabilizes rice prices in the open market.
  
  
• Provides dignity and relief to poor families.