Wed Feb 19 13:45:19 UTC 2025: ## Karnataka to Resume Free Rice Distribution Under Anna Bhagya Scheme

**Bengaluru, February 19, 2025** – The Karnataka government announced it will resume distributing 5 kg of free rice per person to Below Poverty Line (BPL) and Antyodaya card holders starting this February, under its Anna Bhagya scheme. This reverses a temporary measure implemented in July 2023, where cash transfers replaced rice due to procurement difficulties.

Food and Civil Supplies Minister K.H. Muniyappa stated that the resumption is possible due to a new agreement with the Food Corporation of India (FCI). The FCI will now supply the necessary 2.1 lakh metric tonnes of rice per month at a reduced rate of ₹22.5 per kg. The state will procure a total of 2.29 lakh metric tonnes monthly to meet the needs of 4.42 crore beneficiaries.

The shift back to rice distribution is expected to save the state government ₹150 crore to ₹190 crore monthly compared to the cash transfer system. Since July 2023, the government disbursed ₹10,452 crore in cash to over 4.12 crore beneficiaries. Outstanding cash transfers for November, December, and January are currently being processed. The temporary cash transfers were implemented due to challenges procuring sufficient rice at reasonable prices. The Congress party had promised the free rice distribution in its election manifesto. Minister Muniyappa confirmed discussions with Union Food and Civil Supplies Minister Pralhad Joshi, who assured a consistent rice supply for the next two years.

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