Karnataka's Free Rice Scheme to Roll Out Tomorrow, Beneficiaries to Receive Cash for Now

In response to a shortage of rice, the Karnataka government has announced the implementation of the 'Anna Bhagya' scheme, which involves crediting money directly to the bank accounts of beneficiaries. Under this scheme, eligible members of the below-poverty line (BPL) households will receive cash for the additional 5 kg of rice promised to them.

Due to difficulty in procuring the necessary quantity of rice to fulfill their election promise, the state government has decided to provide cash payments at the rate of Rs 34 per kilo for the additional 5 kg of rice under the free rice scheme.

Karnataka Food and Civil Supplies Minister K H Muniyappa confirmed the government's plans to include 2 kg of ragi (finger millet) and jowar (sorghum) instead of rice in the southern and northern regions of the state, respectively, as these grains are considered staples in these areas.

In southern Karnataka, 2 kg of ragi will be provided along with the remaining quantity of rice, while in northern Karnataka, 2 kg of jowar will be distributed along with the remaining rice. Muniyappa assured that sufficient stocks of ragi are available, but the stock of jowar is limited. Therefore, the government will provide as much jowar as possible and subsequently fulfill the complete 5 kg requirement with rice.

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The minister further explained that the government will procure the necessary quantities of ragi and jowar directly from farmers at minimum support prices (MSP) and stock them accordingly. The scheme is set to commence immediately, with cash payments being credited to the bank accounts of beneficiaries. Muniyappa stated that approximately 99 percent of beneficiaries already have bank accounts, and those without one but with ration cards will be required to open an account.

Emphasizing that the government's efforts to procure rice from central stocks had not been successful, Muniyappa expressed disappointment. However, he assured that the government is working towards resolving the issues related to rice procurement and will distribute rice or food grains as soon as possible.

While the exact duration of cash payments instead of rice distribution remains uncertain, the minister stressed that the government considers the cash arrangement to be temporary. Efforts will continue to obtain rice supplies, and once the procurement process is finalized, rice distribution will resume.

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The implementation of the 'Anna Bhagya' cash scheme reflects the government's commitment to fulfill its election promise of providing food grains to the poor. Although facing challenges in procuring rice, the government aims to overcome these obstacles and ensure the timely distribution of essential food supplies to the needy population.

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