Efforts on to procure rice from other states: Karnataka minister

By Gururaj A Paniyadi

Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Minister KH Muniyappa said that efforts are underway to procure rice from other states. Once an ample supply of rice becomes available, the government intends to reinstate the distribution of rice instead of money to beneficiaries under the Anna Bhagya scheme.

Among the five guarantees promised by the Congress, the Anna Bhagya initiative committed to providing 10 kilograms of rice every month. However, due to challenges in receiving additional rice from the Central government, the state government resorted to offering cash in lieu of rice to beneficiaries.

“The process of procuring rice from Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh is underway. Once a sufficient rice supply is secured, we will revert to distributing rice instead of cash,” Muniyappa told  reporters in Hubballi on Friday.

He also highlighted the allocation of Rs 50,000 crore for guarantee schemes, with additional funds slated for future development projects. Minister Muniyappa reassured, “The government will efficiently address the drought situation.”

“Our government stands by its commitments. Four out of the five schemes- Annabhagya, Shakti Yojana, Griha Lakshmi, and Griha Jyoti schemes have already been successfully implemented. The fifth guarantee- Yuva Nidhi Scheme will be rolled out soon,” he said.

Speaking about issuing new ration cards in the state, the Minister said that the department has received 2,90,000 applications.
“Complaints about the unauthorized sale of PDS rice will be rigorously addressed by department officials,” he assured.

This article has been republished from The Deccan Chronicle