Centre had rice stocks available but did not provide, claims Karnataka minister

Mangalore Today News Network

Bengaluru, Sep 08, 2023: Karnataka Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao on Thursday claimed that the Centre possessed ample rice stocks, but they intentionally halted its distribution nationwide, including in Karnataka, for political reasons, reported news agency ANI. The move aims to obstruct the state’s efforts to implement the Anna Bhagya scheme, he said.

 

On July 10, the Karnataka government initiated the Anna Bhagya scheme exclusively for individuals falling under the Below Poverty Line (BPL) category. Under this program, the state government disburses funds in place of rice, providing beneficiaries with Rs 170 via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) in exchange for an additional 5 kg of rice.

Dinesh Gundu Rao lamented the missed opportunity for the Centre to provide rice when it was needed and available. He described it as an unfortunate decision driven by political motives, resulting in the suspension of rice distribution across the nation, not limited to Karnataka. This action was evidently designed to thwart their efforts to implement the Anna Bhagya scheme.

Earlier, on the same issue, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah accused the BJP-led central government of displaying an anti-poor and inhumane stance. Siddaramaiah made these remarks during an event in Madhugiri, Tumakuru district, commemorating the 10th anniversary of the ’Ksheera Bhagya’ scheme, which provides milk to government schoolchildren daily.

Courtesy: India Today