Government Official Warns of Strict Action Over Illegal Ration Distribution in Cheap Shops

J.C.S. Adarsh Rajendran warned that any illegal activity in the distribution of items through government‑run cheap shops will attract strict action. On Tuesday, he chaired a review meeting in the Chittoor Collectorate chamber with officials from several departments. He ordered an inspection of the shops allotted for ration distribution to ensure supplies reach consumers correctly. Inspectors were told to check that the weight of goods matches the prescribed standards. In line with the Reserve Bank of India’s digital‑currency guidelines, he directed that ration‑card holders’ e‑KYC be linked with Aadhaar and mobile numbers. He announced that six criminal cases will be filed for illegal storage and transport of ration rice. The official also directed the installation of CCTV cameras in all cheap shops to curb malpractice. Special attention was urged for the quality of food items supplied to hostel kitchens. Attendees included DSO Venkataramudu and Civil Supplies Department DM Lakshmi, among others. ## Context The cheap‑shop scheme is a government initiative to provide essential commodities at reduced prices, and strict monitoring is intended to prevent fraud and ensure that the benefits reach the intended low‑income families.