Archive · 18 Jun 2025
Fine Rice Black Market: Beneficiaries Shortchanged by Dealers
The government is giving out special rice to people.
However, some shop owners are cheating by selling this rice illegally or offering cash instead.
This is happening because it takes a long time to get the rice, and some people would rather have money.
Others are also selling the rice they get for a profit.
This is making it difficult for those who need the rice to get it.
The government is trying to stop this.
Fair Price Shop (FPS) dealers are allegedly diverting fine rice (sanna biyyam) to the black market.
Beneficiaries are reportedly offered cash at Rs 10 per kg instead of waiting in long queues to receive the rice.
Some beneficiaries sell the fine rice in open markets for Rs 20 per kg.
FPS dealers are creating artificial scarcity by citing issues like 'server down' or stock unavailability.
The government aims to distribute 30 lakh metric tonnes of fine rice annually.
- Who
- Fair Price Shop dealers and beneficiaries.
- What
- Fine rice meant for beneficiaries is being diverted to the black market.
- When
- During the distribution of three-months’ worth of ration.
- Where
- Hyderabad, specifically at Fair Price Shops.
- Why
- For financial gain, undermining the government's initiative.
Beneficiaries' Perspective
FPS Dealers' Perspective
Access to Ration
Beneficiaries' Perspective
Difficulty in obtaining ration due to long queues, server issues, and unavailability of stock.
FPS Dealers' Perspective
FPS dealers are creating the problem to facilitate black market sales.
Utilization of Ration
Beneficiaries' Perspective
Those who do get the ration may resort to selling it off for profit.
FPS Dealers' Perspective
The ration is intended to support their needs.
- Rice Type
- Fine rice (sanna biyyam)
- Black Market Price
- Rs 20 per kg
- Cash Offered by Dealers
- Rs 10 per kg
- Government Initiative
- Distribution of three-months’ worth of ration
- Annual Target
- 30 lakh metric tonnes of fine rice distribution
