Ministers vow to work for welfare of common man

Kakinada: Two State Ministers, Civil supplies Minister Prathipati Pula Rao and Transport and BC welfare Minister Kinjarapu Atchannaidu, after taking charge with new portfolios conducted department-wise reviews at East Godavari Collectorate, on Wednesday.

During the discussion on civil supplies, BJP MLC Somu Veerraju expressed concern over the abnormal rise in price of rice, though the paddy rates remain at Rs 1,050 per a 75 kilo bag but rice of same quantity is at Rs 1,800.He pointed out that, even by taking all expenditures in to consideration the price should not exceed Rs 40 a kilo but the price in the market stands at more than Rs 50 per kilo. He observed that lack of effective measures and non-functioning of food committees at district level to monitor the price line are the main reasons for this existing market price.

In a discussion, East Godavari Rice Millers Association president Ambati Ramakrishna Reddy denied that the millers are amassing huge profits. He admitted that verities such as BPT are being sold at higher prices. The other verities are being sold below Rs 40 a kilo, he added.

Deputy CM N Chinarajappa instructed the milers to open counters at Rytu Bazaars to sell rice at cheaper price of Rs 40 a kilo. Earlier , Transport and BC welfare minister K Atchannaidu announced that the BC welfare programme ‘Aadarana ' would be revived and tool-kits to professionals such as carpenters, masons and others will be supplied to encourage them to continue with their traditional employment .

The Minister turning his attention to BC welfare Said, the reservations to Kapu section will be implemented without affecting the existing reservation pattern to BCs. He also assured to solve the problems of handloom weavers.Several MLAs, MLCs, AP LC deputy chairman Reddy Subrahmanyam were also present.