After medical colleges, PPP model for ration shops, too?

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 Octobe