Bengaluru: After facing pressure to fulfill the five guarantees promised by the Congress party before the elections, State Minister for Food and Civil Supplies, K. H. Muniyappa, held a closed-door meeting with Chief Minister Siddaramiah on May 30. As a result, there is now a clearer plan for the distribution of 10 kilograms of free rice to the people.
“After the meeting, I discussed the implementation of the Anna Bhagya Yojana with the officials and obtained comprehensive information. We explored ways to provide 10 kilograms of rice, as stated in the Congress party’s Manifesto. The previous Government used to distribute 5 kilograms, but now we need to double it to 10 kilograms. We have gathered all the necessary information and are ready to deliver on our promise, said Food Minister K. H. Muniyappa and has confirmed that 10 kilograms of rice will be provided, but the specific start date will be determined by the Chief Minister.”
Muniyappa expressed, “This was my first meeting as a Minister. On May 29, the Chief Minister held discussions with the officials about how to distribute 10 kilograms of rice. It will inevitably pose an additional financial burden on the department. We need to find a way to compensate for this and effectively carry out the free distribution of rice. This is the challenge we are currently facing. Initially, we will request the Central Government for rice and ask them to maintain the same rate they are currently providing. Our officers will communicate this to the Centre. If we don’t receive rice from the Central Government, we will have to invite tenders. We will discuss this further with the relevant authorities.”
“We are confident that the Central Government will provide us with additional rice. The cost per kilogram is Rs. 34, which is the same as what the Central Government currently pays. Transportation costs amount to Rs. 3.70. The quantity of rice required and the effective start date will be determined by the Chief Minister. If the Central Government fails to provide the additional rice, we will proceed with the tender process. Every month, we need to purchase 2,18,000 metric tonnes of rice, which amounts to Rs. 42 Crore.”
“The total number of APL+BPL cards in the state, combining the cards issued by the Central and State Governments, is 1,31,70,600. The total number of beneficiaries is 4,36,97,568. Therefore, the total rice yield required for this is 2,18,487.84 metric tonnes. The monthly expenditure on this is Rs. 742.86 Crore, and the annual expenditure amounts to Rs. 8914.32 Crore.”