Bengaluru: In a series of developments concerning the distribution of free rice under the Anna Bhagya scheme, the state Government of Karnataka is set to engage in discussions with neighbouring states such as Telangana and Chhattisgarh, which possess a substantial rice stock. Chief Minister S. Siddaramiah expressed this intention during a meeting with ministry officials on June 17.
Siddaramiah observed that while the Central Government has an abundant supply of rice, it has failed to recognise that rice is meant for public distribution. He alleged that the Central Government is neglecting its responsibility to address this demand. The state Government has already requested 2.8 lakh metric tonnes of rice from the Central Government but has yet to receive a response, he added.
In an effort to ensure the success of the Annabhagya Yojana, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has reached out to other state Chief Ministers to discuss the availability of rice. Sources within the Department informed Verito.today that Siddaramaiah has held talks with Telangana Chief Minister KCR, requesting 2 lakh metric tonnes of rice from Telangana, and it is likely that KCR will accede to Siddaramaiah’s request.
A team of officials from the Food and Civil Supplies Department has been dispatched to Telangana, and another team is scheduled to visit Chhattisgarh on June 18.
Telangana, known as the rice bowl of India, might be able to provide Karnataka with 2 lakh metric tonnes of rice, while Chhattisgarh has already pledged to send 50,000 metric tonnes of rice to the state.
Meanwhile, Deputy Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar has devised a comprehensive strategy to ensure the success of the Annabhagya Yojana. He plans to exert pressure on the Central Government and put the state’s BJP MPs in a quandary.
Shivakumar has written to all MPs, urging them to pressurise the Central Government to release rice to Karnataka.
In his letter, he called upon MPs from Karnataka and other parts of the country to advocate for the state’s cause. MP D. K. Suresh, from Ramanagara, expressed his frustration with the Central Government’s failure to provide rice.
While the Central Government possesses an abundant stock of rice, it is shirking its responsibility. This injustice by the Centre is detrimental to the impoverished population of Karnataka, said MP Suresh and emphasised the importance of avoiding political games in this matter.