Karnataka Govt. to give cash instead of rice under Anna Bhagya Scheme

Mangalore Today News Network

Bengaluru, June 29, 2023: The Congress government Karnataka has decided to give beneficiaries of the Anna Bhagya scheme cash instead of rice after facing a shortage in supply. The Siddaramaiah-led government is facing hiccups in the implementation of multiple schemes that were a part of their election manifesto in the southern state. The state faced billing errors by power supply companies under the Gruha Jyothi scheme even before its implementation, leading to the state-wide strike last Thursday.

The Congress party had guaranteed five kilos of additional rice to each beneficiary under the ’Anna Bhagya’ scheme, but decided to credit cash at the rate of ₹34 per kilo upon facing a shortage in supply, news agency ANI reported. Therefore, each beneficiary would get ₹170 under the scheme, according to chief minister Siddaramaiah.

"As soon as the state is able to procure the rice, rice will be distributed to BPL and Anthyodaya cardholders instead of money," Siddaramaiah said. The decision was taken in the cabinet as the government did not want to go back on its promises.

"The BJP in the state should have talked to the centre about giving rice to the poor. I met Union Home Minister Amit Shah and State Food Ministers and requested them to supply rice. NCCF, NAFED, and Kendriya Bhandara, these three organizations have increased the price prescribed for the supply of rice. NCCF suggested 32.94 and we asked for ₹32.24. Tenders are being called transparently to buy rice in the open market" CM Siddaramaiah added.