Anna Bhagya Scheme: Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah Announces Cash Instead of Rice for BPL Families

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has announced a major change in the state’s flagship welfare scheme, Anna Bhagya, which provides free rice to Below Poverty Line (BPL) families. From July 10, the beneficiaries of the scheme will receive cash instead of rice in their bank accounts. The CM said that this decision was taken to empower the poor and give them more choices in buying food grains.

What is Anna Bhagya Scheme?

Anna Bhagya Scheme is a scheme launched by Siddaramaiah in 2013 when he was the CM for the first time. The scheme aims to provide 10 kg of free rice to each BPL and Antyodaya cardholder every month. The scheme was one of the five guarantees promised by the Congress in its manifesto for the 2023 assembly elections. The other four guarantees are:

• Gruha Jyothi: A scheme to provide free electricity up to 200 units per month to BPL families.
• Arogya Bhagya: A scheme to provide free health care to all citizens through a network of government hospitals and impaneled private hospitals.
• Shikshana Bhagya: A scheme to provide free education from pre-primary to post-graduation level to all students belonging to SC, ST, OBC, and minority communities.
• Kisan Bhagya: A scheme to provide a minimum support price of Rs 2,500 per quintal for paddy and Rs 4,000 per quintal for sugarcane to farmers.

Why cash instead of rice?

The CM said that the decision to switch from rice to cash was taken after consulting with experts and beneficiaries. He said that the main reasons for this change are:

• To reduce the burden on the state exchequer: The state government spends about Rs 6,000 crore per year on procuring and distributing rice under Anna Bhagya Scheme. The CM said that by giving cash, the government can save about Rs 2,000 crore per year.
• To avoid wastage and pilferage: The CM said that there are many complaints of rice getting damaged or stolen during transportation and storage. He said that by giving cash, the government can ensure that the beneficiaries get the full benefit of the scheme.
• To give more choice and dignity to the poor: The CM said that by giving cash, the government can empower the poor and give them more freedom in buying food grains of their choice and preference. He said that this will also enhance their dignity and self-respect.

How much cash will be given?

The CM said that the amount of cash given to each beneficiary will be based on the market price of rice. He said that for this month, the government has fixed the rate at Rs 30 per kg of rice. Therefore, each beneficiary will receive Rs 300 per month in their bank account. He said that this rate will be revised every month based on the prevailing market price.

How will the cash be transferred?

The CM said that the cash would be transferred directly to the bank accounts of the beneficiaries through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT). He said that the beneficiaries will have to link their Aadhaar number with their bank account and their ration card. He said that this will ensure transparency and accountability in the scheme.

What are the challenges and benefits of this change?

The change from rice to cash has been met with mixed reactions from various stakeholders. Some of the challenges and benefits of this change are:

Challenges

• Availability and accessibility of food grains: Some experts and activists have raised concerns that giving cash instead of rice may affect the availability and accessibility of food grains for the poor. They have argued that there may be fluctuations in the supply and demand of food grains in different regions, which may lead to price rises or shortages. They have also pointed out that some beneficiaries may not have easy access to markets or banks where they can buy food grains or withdraw cash.
• Quality and quantity of food intake: Some experts and activists have also expressed doubts about the impact of giving cash instead of rice on the quality and quantity of food intake of the poor. They have suggested that some beneficiaries may use the cash for other purposes or buy inferior quality or less quantity of food grains than what they used to get under the Anna Bhagya Scheme.
• Monitoring and evaluation: Some experts and activists have also questioned how the government will monitor and evaluate the effectiveness and impact of giving cash instead of rice on the nutritional status and well-being of the poor. They have asked how the government will ensure that the beneficiaries are using the cash for buying food grains and not for other purposes.

Benefits

• Cost-effectiveness and efficiency: Some experts and activists have welcomed the change from rice to cash as a cost-effective and efficient way of delivering welfare benefits to the poor. They have praised the government for saving public money and reducing wastage and pilferage of rice. They have also appreciated the government for using DBT as a transparent and accountable mechanism for transferring cash to the beneficiaries.
• Empowerment and dignity of the poor: Some experts and activists have also lauded the change from rice to cash as a way of empowering and dignifying the poor. They have commended the government for giving more choice and freedom to the poor in buying food grains of their choice and preference. They have also acknowledged the government for respecting the agency and autonomy of the poor.

Conclusion

The change from rice to cash under Anna Bhagya Scheme is a bold and innovative move by the Karnataka government. It reflects the government’s commitment to fulfill its promises and provide welfare benefits to the poor. However, the change also poses some challenges and risks that need to be addressed and mitigated by the government. The government needs to ensure that the change does not adversely affect the availability, accessibility, quality, and quantity of food grains for the poor.

The government also needs to monitor and evaluate the impact of the change on the nutritional status and well-being of the poor. The change from rice to cash under Anna Bhagya Scheme is a potential game-changer in social welfare. It can set an example for other states and countries to follow. However, it also requires careful planning, implementation, and evaluation to ensure its success and sustainability.