Former Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah's populist schemes, Anna Bhagya (seven kilograms of free rice to BPL families) and Indira canteens (subsidised canteens), have come under the BJP scanner.
Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa, who has ordered a comprehensive review of the free rice scheme, citing misuse, reiterated that his government would not scrap any of the pro-poor programmes, but would only weed out the illegal beneficiaries.
On Saturday, Siddaramaiah, who is the Congress legislature party leader, warned the BJP government against scrapping the food schemes launched by the previous Congress government, stating they were aimed at achieving a "hunger-free" Karnataka.
"The BJP government is planning to fund the prime minister's Kisan Samman (income support scheme for farmers) by reducing the quantity of free rice. But it will affect the poor. The Congress party condemns the move," said Siddaramaiah, who also expressed concern over the state government's refusal to fund Indira canteens. "The BBMP commissioner has admitted that the state government has not released funds for the canteens and asked the BBMP to fund it," he said.
Recalling that the canteens were launched during his tenure as chief minister, he said, "We launched 198 canteens in Bengaluru, one each in every ward to benefit the poor, students, floating population, caretakers of patients, and daily wagers among others. The canteens were strategically located near hospitals, bus and railway stations."
also read
- Karnataka benefited immensely from Modi govt, says former state minister
- BJP moves ECI against Congress 'chombu' ad in Karnataka: 'Malicious and defamatory'
- Battle for Bengaluru explained: Who are in fray and what is at stake
- BJP expels former Karnataka deputy CM Eshwarappa for 6 years
- Girl student's murder: Fayaz's parents apologise to Neha's family
Siddaramaiah sought expansion of Indira canteens network in other city centres as well. "Another 248 Indira canteens were sanctioned in other cities. But only 159 are operational in taluk and district headquarters. This scheme should be expanded as it helps the poor, " he added.
Clarifying his government's stand on the issue, Yediyurappa said his government would not discontinue any of the schemes which are pro-poor. "There has been discussion on reducing the quota of rice to the beneficiaries," said Yediyurappa, who had earlier stated that the government had earmarked Rs 3,770 crore for Anna Bhagya for 2019-2020. But he suspected there were at least one lakh beneficiaries in every district.
"Every year, the scheme needs 80,000 metric tonnes of rice. Plugging the misuse of the scheme would ease the monetary burden on the state, " Yediyurappa had claimed.
Congress seeks flood relief package
Siddaramaiah sought immediate interim relief from the Centre to the state that is battered by floods. "There is no government in the state. Even after 22 days, it is a one-man cabinet," said Siddaramaiah. He further stated that Karnataka was reeling under both drought and floods. Seven districts (42 taluks) have had rain deficit.
"The state government is yet to declare them as drought affected. This will hamper release of funds. On the other hand, floods have affected 22 districts. Despite the crop loss across six lakh hectares, and total loss estimated at Rs one lakh crore, the chief minister is shying away from seeking interim relief package. We demand Rs 5,000 crore as interim relief. If the chief minister is scared to ask the prime minister, let him take an all party delegation to Delhi. We will urge the Centre for the fund, " taunted Siddaramaiah.
Yediyurappa defended the Centre, saying two Union ministers—Amit Shah and Nirmala Sitharaman—had visited the flood affected districts and carried out an aerial survey as well. “The Centre has taken stock of the situation. A survey of the total losses will be carried out soon. However, I have apprised the Centre of the situation and sought an interim relief of Rs 5,000 crore," he said.
