Karnataka: Anna Bhagya rice to be cut

BENGALURU: The state government is reportedly mulling reducing the quantity of rice being distributed through the public distribution system (PDS) under the populist Anna Bhagya scheme. The move is certain to create a political furore with the opposition Congress, as the scheme was launched by the Siddaramaiah regime
The government at present provides 7kg rice under Anna Bhagya and a source said chief minister BS Yediyurappa is considering cutting it to 5kg.The chief minister is likely to announce the decision in his budget to be presented on March 5.
"The idea is to curb irregularities and save funds. If we reduce the quantity of rice, we can provide more of other commodities like pulses and sugar. However, nothing has been finalised," said K Gopalaiah, minister for food and civil supplies.
A similar proposal was mooted by the HD Kumaraswamy-led coalition government, but was dropped owing to vehement opposition from the Siddaramaiah camp.