Even as the decision to hand over the establishment of government medical colleges to private firms in the name of PPP model, the Chandrababu Naidu government in Andhra Pradesh has now set its sights on privatising ration shops across the state on the pretext of modernisation, triggering fresh controversy.
The AP State Civil Supplies Corporation on Monday issued an Expression of Interest (EOI), inviting proposals from corporate retail chains, e-commerce companies, government corporations, and other private players to modernize all fair price shops.
As per the notification, the government is contemplating integrating present ration outlets with retail services, effectively turning them into mini-marts.
The notification specifies that interested firms must submit their proposals by October 15, with a pilot project scheduled to launch on November 3.
Officials argue that the move is aimed at increasing the income of ration shop dealers and expanding product availability in rural areas.
However, political observers view the decision as part of a larger agenda. Critics fear that once big retail giants enter, they will dictate terms, marginalizing small dealers.
An official said if modernization was the true intent, the government could have created a standardized design and supplied additional products through a public-sector undertaking, instead of handing over control to private companies.
The development is expected to spark heated political debate, with opposition parties likely to frame it as a step toward corporate takeover of essential public distribution services.
