Vijayawada: The Muslim United Front (MUF) and Muslim Welfare Joint Action Committee (MWJAC) have urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu, and civil supplies minister Nadendla Manohar to address the escalating rice prices in the open market. MUF and MWJAC president Md Kaleem stated they have written to these leaders regarding the issue. Kaleem noted that social media speculation about a potential 'Cash for Grains' scheme, involving direct benefit transfers (DBT) for ration cardholders, has created significant insecurity among the poor and lower middle classes. He argued that monetary compensation cannot substitute for public distribution system (PDS) rice, especially in South Indian states, where 63.79% of Andhra Pradesh’s population relies on subsidised rice. He deplored the poor quality of PDS rice, which often compels beneficiaries to sell it to millers and hoteliers for monetary gains.
Highlighting the stark increase in rice prices from Rs 16 per kg in the early 2000s to Rs 50– Rs 60 now, Kaleem advocated for a national mechanism to provide good-quality rice at subsidised rates. He criticised the Bharat Rice initiative, sold at Rs 29 per kg via limited outlets, for its poor quality and inefficacy. Kaleem proposed that instead of cash transfers, the government should collaborate with rice millers to supply better-quality rice to PDS beneficiaries. He also recommended price-stabilisation strategies for other essentials, like wheat and pulses, to control inflation and curb black marketing, smuggling, and hoarding. The MUF and MWJAC have called for a comprehensive policy to regulate essential commodity prices and ensure affordability for all citizens.
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