Vijayanagara: The racket of black-marketing of rice under Annabhagya Scheme in the District is again active. Illegal hoarding and transportation of ration in both urban and rural areas has gone on smoothly.
The Annabhagya Scheme was implemented by the previous Congress Government with the ambition of creating a hunger-free Karnataka. For the benefit of the poor, the Government will provide 10 kgs each to BPL ration families. Rice is being distributed through fair price shops.
The rice provided free of cost under the scheme is being sold at the black market at Rs 8 to 10 per kg. In Hospete City alone, buyers who procure more than 100 quintals of rice every day are crossing it to the metros for various purposes. The same rice is polished and mixed with Sona Masoori and other rice. It is said that the hawkers are eyeing Annabhagya rice, which is available at a lower price.
Earlier, there were cases of transportation of ration rice in various taluks of the District. Recently, the District Headquarters is in Hospete City and neighbouring villages. Three to four cases were registered in the City at the end of October in connection with the illegal transportation of ration rice.
After this, the illegal business, which was a little quieter, is back in the limelight. Two cases have been registered in the last three days. Police raided a mini goods vehicle near Noorani Masjid in Hospete Town when rice was being loaded into it.
