NEWS – The Karnataka Cabinet has approved a modification to the Anna Bhagya scheme, one of the Congress government’s five key guarantees. Instead of the additional 5 kg rice earlier provided, Below Poverty Line (BPL) families will now receive an Indira Kit containing essential food items.

HIGHLIGHTS

Key Features of the Decision

• Revised Benefit Structure: Each BPL beneficiary will continue to receive 5 kg rice (under NFSA from the Centre) and an Indira Kit from the state government comprising:
  • 1 kg green gram
  • 1 kg tur dal
  • 1 kg sugar
  • 1 kg salt
  • 1 kg cooking oil
• Rationale:
  • Surveys revealed that the 10 kg rice allocation led to misuse, and 90% of beneficiaries preferred other essential items.
  • The modification aligns with nutritional diversification and consumer demand.
• Beneficiaries:
  • 1.26 crore BPL families (4.48 crore beneficiaries) across Karnataka.
  • Quantity will vary with family size:
    • 1–2 members → half kit
    • 3–4 members → full kit
    • 5+ members → 1.5× kit

Fiscal Implications

• Previous annual expenditure on the additional 5 kg rice: ₹6,426 crore.
• New Indira Kit model to cost ₹6,119 crore, yielding a saving of ₹306 crore per month.
• Funds saved may support other welfare and infrastructure priorities.