Anna Bhagya: Centre’s refusal to sell rice to Karnataka will alter State’s calculations of scheme cost

The categorical refusal of the Centre on June 23 to sell rice to Karnataka for Anna Bhagya scheme could not only result in delay of its launch, slated for July 1, but also alter the government’s calculation of its cost.

The categorical refusal of the Centre on June 23 to sell rice to Karnataka for Anna Bhagya scheme could not only result in delay of its launch, slated for July 1, but also alter the government’s calculation of its cost.

Government sources said that it would take another week for the Central agencies (such a NAFED, NCCF and Kendriya Bandar) whom the State Government has approached for supply of rice to get back with their quotes. “We have asked them to speak to traders and get back to us with a detailed quote. They will finalise the rate and revert to us before the end of next week,” said the source.

The additional rice of five kgs is expected to help 4.42 crore beneficiaries (1.19 crore BPL and Antyodaya cards) in the State.

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The meeting between Food and Civil Supplies Minister K. H. Muniyappa and Union Food and Consumer Affairs Minister Piyush Goyal on June 22, that took place after Chief Minister Siddaramaiah sought Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s intervention, had raised hopes of rice supply. Earlier, a war of words had broken out between the Congress and BJP over denial of rice by the Food Corporation of India for the scheme.

However, following Centre’s refusal, a source said, “Now we are on our own. We will try to procure rice from other sources.”

The State government, sources said, was also speaking with Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Punjab for supply of rice, but nothing has been finalised so far. “We are trying from every possible sources. We will definitely launch the scheme, but there could be a delay by a few weeks.” The State government is likely to take the decision to delay the launch over the next few days.