- The Karnataka government is having difficulty obtaining rice for its ambitious Anna Bhagya scheme.
- However, there is some hope because Punjab has agreed in principle to furnish the necessary amount of rice.
What exactly is the Anna Bhagya Scheme?
- The state administration intends to increase the free rice allocation per person under the BPL card from 5 kg to 10 kg.
- The initiative is expected to cost the government 840 crore every month and 10,092 crore per year.
- It is set to be released on July 1.
Problems Solved
- The Food Corporation of India (FCI) agreed to supply the requisite 2.28 lakh tonnes of rice at first but afterwards refused.
- Telangana and Andhra Pradesh stated their inability to supply, while the government of Chhattisgarh pledged to supply 1.5 lakh tonnes.
- Karnataka is currently looking for rice in other states and hopes to get it for 34 per kg.
Alternative Grains:
- If necessary, the state may distribute 2 kg of either ragi or jowar, which would last six months.
- However, the government must still provide an additional 3 kg of rice in addition to the existing 5 kilogramme amount.
Punjab’s Proposal
- In the spirit of federalism, the Punjab administration announced willingness to supply rice to Karnataka.
- Punjab has ample rice and wishes to assist alleviate the issues that the underprivileged experience throughout the country.
Source: https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/anna-bhagya-scheme-siddaramaiah-hits-road-block-karnataka-falls-short-rice-2394835-2023-06-19