HYDERABAD: With the indefinite strike by the dealers of fair price shops entering the second day Monday, several card holders were forced to return home empty handed. Of the 5,56,675 food security card holders in Hyderabad city, only 357 beneficiaries could take home their quota of rice, thanks to the indefinite strike.
It is during the first week of every month that beneficiaries visit these shops to get their monthly quota. However, this month, many of them were unaware of the strike and also of the alternative arrangements made by the Civil Supplies department. It was only a week ago that officials from the department announced that they are joining hands with women’s groups across the state to ensure that supplies reach the card holders on time.
The Department began training women’s self-help groups across the State to prevent lack of supply along with other available dealers.
However, the card holders are forced to wait till July 5 to purchase subsidised rice as alternative arrangements are still being made by the department. They are taking the assistance of GHMC and police department to distribute rice in various community halls.
A total of 115 community halls have been identified and 105 staffers employed to ensure the supply.
