BENGALURU: With the government launching the direct benefit transfer in lieu of 5 kg of additional rice under the Anna Bhagya scheme, PDS distributors, who had threatened protest over loss of commission seem to have been won over for now.
Distributors of ration across the state had threatened protest claiming that if the government transfers funds directly to the bank accounts of Anna Bhagya beneficiaries, they would stand to lose commission. With the government convincing them that it will start distributing additional 5 kg rice after two months, the distributors have relented and have opened their shops from today.
Food and Civil Supplies Minister K H Muniyappa on Tuesday held a meeting with PDS distributors association and managed to buy time, bringing relief to the government. “The 5 kg of rice being given by the central government is continuing. We had demanded the state government to give us the commission amount if it opts for DBT towards the additional 5 kg of rice. The minister and officials pointed out that they are not able to procure rice and that the DBT is a temporary measure for two months. Owners of rice mills were also present at the meeting and they have also presented their demands”, said D Krishnappa, state president of the PDS distributors’ association.
He further said that if the government does not heed to their demands, they will resume their protest after two months.