Govt may give 5 kg of extra rice instead of cash from October under Anna Bhagya scheme

BENGALURU: Having failed to procure rice from other states, the state government had started depositing money in lieu of 5 kg extra rice in the bank accounts of Anna Bhagya scheme beneficiaries last month. Now, the government may be considering giving 5 kg extra rice instead of the cash from October.

Department of Food, Civil Supplies, and Consumer Affairs has already held discussions on purchasing rice from other states and distributing it instead of giving money. It has also been conducting surveys at the district level to find out whether to give rice or money.

Food and Civil Supplies Corporation Managing Director Gyanendra Kumar, said the Anna Bhagya guarantee scheme of the government has been successfully implemented. “The government is paying for the additional 5 kg of rice as it could not be procured through the Food Corporation of India. Now, there is discussion the the higher levels about giving 5 kg extra rice from October”, he said.

He further said discussions had been held regarding the purchase of rice from the states of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, and the food and civil supplies minister will finalise it. “All discussions are already over. Food and Civil Supplies Minister K H Muniyappa will take a final decision on giving 5 kg of extra rice instead of money from the month of October”, he added.

Gyanendra, however, refused to reveal much about survey claiming that it is very confidential. “Discussions is still going on about the issue and complete information will be given within 2-3 days”, he noted.