BENGALURU: The Karnataka government’s decision to replace 5kg of rice with Indira food kits—containing lentils, oil, sugar, and salt—under its flagship Anna Bhagya scheme has drawn concerns over procurement, quality, and inflation risks, according to documents reviewed by TOI.
Sources said the Finance Department (FD), in an internal opinion submitted to the government, warned that the move could “embarrass the government” if the kits contained substandard products or if procurement irregularities emerged.
“The administrative department’s decision to introduce Indira food kits instead of 5kg rice may embarrass the government over substandard products and possible misappropriation in procurement,” the FD reportedly stated, adding that inflation and availability constraints could further complicate the rollout.
FD proposed e-voucher alternative
Instead of fixed food kits, the Finance Department recommended a more flexible e-voucher system that would allow Anna Bhagya beneficiaries to buy their preferred nutritional items directly from local ration shops.
“We advised the department to consider and study the option of e-vouchers… so that beneficiaries have the freedom to purchase whatever they want from the nearest ration shop,” the FD said, noting that even private retail outlets at the gram panchayat level could be included in the network.
The department cited the Ganga Kalyana scheme—which uses e-vouchers for service disbursal—as a model, suggesting a similar approach could reduce corruption and logistical complexity. However, the Food and Civil Supplies Department reportedly did not pursue the recommendation.
Govt defends decision
Despite the objections, the state government proceeded with the revised policy. Food and Civil Supplies Secretary Manoj Jain defended the decision, saying the cabinet, led by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, had carefully deliberated on all aspects before approval.
“There will always be concerns over providing quality supplies to people, but that is the objective of the government,” Jain said. “It is not a concern but a suggestion. Due diligence and all quality-assessment guidelines will be followed.”
Nutrition, savings cited as key goals
Under Anna Bhagya, each Below Poverty Line (BPL) family member currently receives 10kg of rice, with 5kg provided by the Centre. Earlier this month, the state announced that the remaining 5kg of rice would be replaced by the Indira food kit—comprising 1kg each of tur dal, moong dal, sugar and salt, and 1 litre of cooking oil.
Officials argue the new package aims to enhance nutrition among 1.2 crore ration card holders while curbing black-market rice trade. The government also estimates that the switch could help beneficiaries collectively save up to ₹630 crore each month on essential household items.