A special rice sales counter offering steam rice and raw rice at prices lower than the prevailing market rate was inaugurated at the Seethammadhara Rythu Bazar on Monday by In-charge District Collector Gobbilla Vidyadhari and Visakhapatnam MLA Vishnu Kumar Raju.

Inspecting the sales arrangements, prices, stock position and distribution system, Ms. Vidyadhari directed officials to ensure smooth implementation of the scheme and urged consumers visiting the Rythu Bazar to make use of the facility.

The Civil Supplies Department is implementing the initiative under the directions of the State government to make rice available to consumers at affordable prices. In the first phase, special rice sales counters are being opened in seven Rythu Bazars across the Visakhapatnam district.

Ms. Vidyadhari said every member of a white ration card holder’s family continued to receive 5 kg of free rice every month. In addition, eligible families could purchase up to 10 kg of rice every month through the special counters at prices lower than the prevailing market rate. She said the initiative was aimed at reducing the burden of food prices on consumers.

Similar counters were inaugurated at the Gajuwaka Rythu Bazar by MLA Palla Srinivasa Rao and at the MVP Rythu Bazar by MLA Velagapudi Ramakrishna Babu.