Daijiworld Media Network – Bengaluru
Bengaluru, June 15: More than two weeks into June, lakhs of ration cardholders across Karnataka are still waiting for their monthly food grain supplies under the Anna Bhagya scheme, as technical issues have stalled procurement from the Food Corporation of India (FCI).
Despite the onset of the monsoon and rising pressure on household essentials, the monthly distribution of rice and other grains has not yet begun — a delay the Karnataka State Fair Price Dealers' Association has termed “unacceptable and distressing.”
Under the combined Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana and Karnataka’s Anna Bhagya scheme, approximately 4.11 crore beneficiaries are entitled to 4.34 lakh metric tonnes of grains each month.
While the Centre provides 2.17 lakh metric tonnes free of cost, the State purchases an equal quantity of rice from the FCI at Rs 24 per kg for free distribution.
Antyodaya cardholders receive 20 kilos of rice and 15 kilos of ragi (totalling 35 kilos) per family monthly. BPL (Below Poverty Line) cardholders are entitled to 10 kilos of rice per person.
Typically, the FCI begins dispatching stocks to wholesale depots from the first day of the month. Fair price shops then collect these supplies for public distribution. However, this month, no grain has been lifted from FCI godowns, and ration shops have been denied access for collection — leading to widespread disruption.
The Fair Price Dealers' Association alleges that the delay stems from technical glitches in financial coordination between the State Government and FCI.
“Since the discontinuation of the Rs 170 Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) in February, we’ve faced frequent delays,” said T Krishnappa, president of the association. “There were setbacks in March and April, though distribution resumed briefly in May. But now, we’re back to square one. No grains have moved, and the authorities are silent,” he added.
The association has written to food and civil supplies minister K H Muniyappa, highlighting the hardship faced by the public. “It’s been 14 days, and yet not a single consignment has been sent to wholesale depots. Cardholders are visiting ration shops every day and returning empty-handed. Officials are refusing to give any clarity and aren't even taking phone calls,” the letter reads.
Sources in the food department confirmed that financial settlement issues between the State and FCI have delayed the lifting of 2.17 lac metric tonnes of rice meant for June distribution.
With the rains setting in, there are growing concerns that logistics may further deteriorate if the deadlock continues. Beneficiaries and ration dealers alike are demanding immediate government intervention to ensure food security for millions reliant on the public distribution system.