Karnataka's free rice scheme to be rolled out

tomorrow | Bengaluru - Hindustan Times

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rolled-out-tomorrow-beneficiaries-to-get-cash-for-now-101688124019705.html

Karnataka's free rice scheme to be rolled out

tomorrow, beneficiaries to get cash for now
PTI | | Posted by Yamini C S
Jun 30, 2023 05:01 PM IST

Karnataka Food and Civil Supplies Minister K H Muniyappa

on Friday said the government is all set to roll out the 'Anna
Bhagya' scheme.

Karnataka Food and Civil Supplies Minister K H Muniyappa on Friday said

the government is all set to roll out the 'Anna Bhagya' scheme, by crediting
money to the bank account of the beneficiaries in lieu of the additional 5 kg
of rice promised to every member of a BPL household, as sufficient quantity
of the food grain is unavailable.
Facing difficulty in procuring large quantities of rice required to fulfil its poll
guarantee, the state government on Wednesday decided to pay cash into
the beneficiaries' accounts at the rate of ₹34 per kilo. (HT File Photo)

Facing difficulty in procuring large quantities of rice required to fulfil its poll
guarantee, the state government on Wednesday decided to pay cash into
the beneficiaries' accounts at the rate of ₹34 per kilo, for the additional 5 kg
of rice under the free rice scheme. The minister also said that of the total
additional 5 kg, the government plans to include 2 kg of ragi (finger millet)
and jowar (sorghum) -- instead of rice -- under the scheme in the southern
and northern parts of Karnataka respectively, as per requirement, as these
grains are considered a staple in these two regions.

READ | Karnataka: Siddaramaiah-led govt to give cash instead of rice under

Anna Bhagya Scheme

In the southern part of the state, the government plans to give 2 kg of ragi
and remaining will be rice, while in north Karnataka it will be 2 kg of jowar
and remaining will be rice, the minister said. There is adequate stock of ragi
available, while the stock of jowar is less, so we will supply as much as we
can, after that we will provide a full 5 kg of rice, he added.

"We will get information about the beneficiaries and, based on their inputs in
the days to come, if there is demand for more quantities of ragi and jowar
from southern and northern parts of Karnataka respectively, changes will be
made in the quantity," he said, adding that the government will procure
required quantities of ragi and jowar directly from the farmers at MSP rates
and stock it.

"From tomorrow, the scheme will begin. To pay to the bank accounts (of
beneficiaries), we have information that 99 per cent of them have the
accounts. Those without an account but have ration cards will have to open
a bank account. We have said we will pay ₹34 per kg, and each person will
get (cash for) 5 kg," Muniyappa said. Speaking to reporters here, he said the
amount will be paid to the bank account of the beneficiaries until there are
enough grains to be distributed.

READ | Anna bhagya row: Unscientific food storehouses led to losses, says
report

"The process is on for purchase of rice, as we had said we will supply rice or
food grains for the poor..." he added. Pointing out that the chief minister had
promised to supply foodgrains from July 1, which is a Congress poll
guarantee, Muniyappa said, "To keep up the promise, we are giving money
for now." "If the Centre had given rice from the stocks available, for cash
payment, the state government would have supplied it from tomorrow," he
said, adding, "Our month-long efforts in getting rice despite approaching
central ministers and officials have failed."

"There are issues (in procuring rice). We have to issue a public tender. It has
not been finalised. Also what kind of rice. We will decide on it and start
giving rice as soon as possible," he added. Asked as to how long the
government will pay the amount to the account of the beneficiaries instead
of supplying rice or foodgrains, the minister said, "I cannot give you a date
for now, but I assure you that we will give rice as soon as possible. Giving
money is a temporary arrangement." On whether cash would be credited to
the bank accounts from tomorrow itself, he said, "Money is ready, we have
information about accounts. It will begin from tomorrow."