Karnataka to launch 'Anna Bhagya' scheme today

The scheme aims to provide 30 kg rice every month to families under BPL at subsidised rate of Re 1 per kg via PDS

The first populous scheme of the Karnataka government, Anna Bhagya rice scheme, as promised in its election manifesto, will be launched tomorrow in Mysore district benefiting nearly six lakh BPL card holders. The ambitious Rs 4,300 crore scheme aims to provide 30 kg rice every month to all families under below poverty line (BPL) at a subsidised rate of Re 1 per kg through the public distribution system (PDS) benefitting 97,35,059 families across the State.

The maximum entitlement for a family would be 30 kgs. However, one member family would get 10 kg of rice and and two-member family 20 kgs. Soon after taking taking charge as Chief Minister, Siddaramaiah had announced that the States food security social measure would be implemented from June 1. However, the government had postponed it twice. The State requires 2,77,254 metric tonnes of rice every month to implement the scheme.

Mysore district will require an additional 8,000 metric tonnes of rice in addition to the present supply of 10,000 metric tonnes to cover all the BPL card holders in the district through 1,057 fair price shops. Mysore city has 266 shops with 1.24 lakh card holders.

District Incharge and Revenue Minister V.Srinivasa Prasad will launch the programme at Saradavilasa College Centenary Hall at 10-30 a.m., according to Deputy Commissioner Ramegowda.