Harish Rao alleges rice export scam, seeks House Committee to probe irregularities

Harish Rao alleged a rice export scam involving the Philippines deal and sought a House probe. The government denied the claims, shared export figures, and avoided some queries, leading to protests by the BRS members.

Hyderabad: BRS Deputy Floor Leader T Harish Rao on Monday alleged a scam in rice exports to the Philippines and urged Speaker G Prasad Kumar to set up a House Committee to probe the issue.

During Question Hour in the Assembly, he asked if a person facing ED and CBI cases was appointed as an Advisor. He sought a clear reply from the government.

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The BRS Deputy Floor Leader questioned why the contract was given to a private company when NAFED, a Central Government organisation, had offered to make advance payment to the State. “Whether the contract was awarded through a tender or on a nomination basis,” Harish Rao asked.

He said 7,500 metric tonnes of rice has been lying at Kakinada Port for the past year and sought details on its status. Calling the rice exports a major scam, Harish Rao demanded either a House Committee or that all files be placed before the Speaker.

Civil Supplies Minister N Uttam Kumar Reddy rejected the allegations and said the person mentioned by Harish Rao had no link to the export contract. However, he did not respond on the appointment.

The Minister said the State Government had signed an agreement to export one lakh metric tonnes of rice to the Philippines. About 22,750 metric tonnes has been exported so far and Rs.81.90 crore was received. He dismissed the demand for a House Committee and said such a panel should instead examine Harish Rao’s tenure as Minister.

BRS MLA Palla Rajeshwar Reddy asked when the government would clear Rs.1,200 crore dues to farmers for the last Yasangi season. The Minister said the government was committed to farmers’ interests but did not give a timeline. BRS members protested in the House over the lack of clear replies.