The Congress party in Karnataka has announced plans to stage demonstrations on Tuesday across all district headquarters in protest against the BJP-led Central government. The demonstrations are aimed at condemning the government for “denying” rice for the state’s ‘Anna Bhagya’ scheme, which provides 10 kg of rice to each member of families living below the poverty line.
The controversy stems from the recent decision by the Centre to discontinue the sale of rice and wheat from the central pool under the Open Market Sale Scheme (OMSS) to state governments. The Food Corporation of India (FCI) issued an order stating that the sale of wheat and rice under the OMSS for state governments would be discontinued. However, the sale of rice under the OMSS will continue for northeastern states, hilly states, and states facing law and order situations or natural calamities, at the existing rate of Rs 3,400 per quintal.
The Congress party in Karnataka strongly criticized the decision, arguing that it would adversely affect the ‘Anna Bhagya’ scheme, which has been instrumental in providing subsidized rice to the poorest sections of society. The party accused the BJP-led Central government of neglecting the welfare of the people and prioritizing political considerations over the needs of the vulnerable.
The ‘Anna Bhagya’ scheme was launched by the previous Congress government in Karnataka in 2013 with the aim of addressing food security and eliminating hunger among the impoverished population. Under the scheme, eligible households are entitled to receive 10 kg of rice per member at a subsidized price of Rs 3 per kg. The initiative has played a significant role in ensuring that families below the poverty line have access to an essential staple food.
The Congress party has argued that the discontinuation of rice supply from the central pool would disrupt the implementation of the ‘Anna Bhagya’ scheme, leaving thousands of families without their entitled ration. They contend that this move is a direct attack on the welfare of the poor and an attempt to undermine the state government’s efforts to alleviate poverty and hunger.
Congress leaders and workers across all district headquarters in Karnataka are gearing up for the planned demonstrations on Tuesday. The party aims to voice its concerns and garner public support for the ‘Anna Bhagya’ scheme by highlighting the repercussions of the Central government’s decision. Party leaders assert that they will continue to fight for the rights and welfare of the people, particularly those in vulnerable socio-economic conditions.
The BJP-led Central government, on the other hand, has defended its decision to discontinue rice and wheat sales under the OMSS for state governments. They argue that the move is intended to streamline the allocation of food grains and ensure that states facing critical situations, such as law and order issues or natural calamities, receive the necessary support. The government has maintained that the decision was not driven by any political motive but was based on administrative considerations.
As the demonstrations draw near, the political atmosphere in Karnataka is intensifying. The Congress party hopes to use this opportunity to highlight what they perceive as an injustice and garner public support for their cause. The success of the demonstrations could potentially influence the Central government’s stance on the issue and lead to a resolution that safeguards the welfare of the underprivileged in Karnataka.
