Food security in India is a crucial concern given its substantial population. The nation grapples with the challenge of ensuring a consistent and affordable food supply for its diverse citizens. Government initiatives like the Public Distribution System (PDS) and the National Food Security Act (NFSA) aim to bolster access to food, particularly for vulnerable segments of society. Ongoing efforts seek to strengthen food self-sufficiency and alleviate hunger, recognizing the integral role of food security in fostering overall development and the population’s well-being. To cater to this need, the Government of Karnataka announced the Anna Bhagya Scheme.
In this article, we are going to cover the latest launched scheme Anna Bhagya Scheme. After reading this article, you will have a clear understanding of this scheme.
What is the Anna Bhagya Scheme 2023?
Anna Bhagya Scheme is a rice distribution scheme first launched by the government of Karnataka in July 2013 where each BPL single-member family used to receive 10 kg, 20 kg for two-member families, and 30 kg for families with 3 or more members. With the new scheme, each BPL family will get 10kg of rice every month. This scheme was launched by the chief minister Siddaramiah on July 02, 2023. The beneficiaries of this scheme are going to get the rice from July 10, 2023.
Under this scheme, the Government of Karnataka has promised the people of Karnataka with 10kg of rice every month, however, due to the lack of rice in the market, the government has now decided to give incentives in place of rice. Every eligible resident of Karnataka will get Rs 34 per kg of rice. Please note that there is no cap on the number of family members. Each family member will get 10kg of rice every month.
Anna Bhagya Scheme Key Highlights
Let’s look at the Anna Bhagya Scheme’s key highlights to understand the scheme better.
| Karnataka Anna Bhagya Scheme 2023 Key Highlights | |
| Anna Bhagya Scheme 2023 Launch Date | July 01, 2023 |
| Anna Bhagya Scheme Official Website | Anna Bhagya Official Website |
| Anna Bhagya Scheme Objective | To provide food security to the eligible family of the state |
| Anna Bhagya Scheme Incentive Amount | Rs 34 per kg rice170 rupees for additional 5 kg rice per person/month |
| Anna Bhagya Scheme family member limit | No cap on the number of members |
| Anna Bhagya Scheme Rice Limit | 10kg per person |
| Anna Bhagya Scheme Department | Department of Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs |
| Anna Bhagya Scheme Helpline Number | Rs 34 per kg rice170 rupees for an additional 5 kg rice per person/month |
History of the Anna Bhagya Scheme
The ‘Annabhagya’ scheme has been implemented in the state since July 2013. The implementation of this scheme increased the amount of ration distributed to each BPL family under the public distribution system. Earlier, a minimum of 4 kg of rice and 1 kg of wheat was distributed to one member of a BPL family, with a maximum of 20 kg of rice and 3 kg of wheat per family. Under the new scheme, eligible BPL single-member families will receive 10 kg, 20 kg for two-member families, and 30 kg for families with 3 or more members. KG for Rs. Allotment at the rate of 1/- will be started from the month of July 2015.
It was implemented with effect from November 1, 2013, to provide 05 kg of foodgrain for each additional member applicable to families of 07 and above members.
Who is Eligible for the Anna Bhagya Scheme?
In order to take the benefit of the scheme, one must know the eligibility criteria. Here are the Karnataka Anna Bhagya Scheme eligibility criteria in the list below.
- The beneficiary must be a permanent resident of Karnataka. This is of utmost importance.
- He/she must belong to the Below Poverty Line (BPL) Category. Residents below the poverty line only are eligible for the incentive.
- He/she must have an Antyodaya Anna Card or BPL Card. All three parameters are important to get the benefit of the scheme.
What are the Benefits of the Anna Bhagya Scheme?
Anna Bhagya Scheme 2023 has been launched by the Government of Karnataka to provide rice every month.
- Under Anna Bhagya Karnataka, every eligible resident of Karnataka will get 10kg of rice on a monthly basis.
- Every family member of the family will get 10 kg of rice every month from the Government of Karnataka.
- There is no cap on the number of family members. Suppose you have 10 members in your family then you will get 100 kg of rice every month under the Anna Bhagya scheme.
What are the documents required for the Anna Bhagya Scheme?
In order to apply for the Anna Bhagya Scheme, you need to carry a few documents at the ration center. These documents are the following.
- Domicile Certificate (To prove that you are a resident of Karnataka).
- Ration Card (To produce in the ration center )
- Bank Details (For the Direct Bank Transfer of 10kg rice amount) with Rs 34/kg
- Mobile Number (In order to check if the incentive has been given).
How to Apply for the Anna Bhagya Scheme?
You don’t have to apply for the Anna Bhagya scheme anywhere. You can just visit the nearest ration shop and produce the required documents such as Domicile, ration card, and Bank Details. You can get the ration then and there. If they fail to give you a ration due to a lack of grains, you can get the incentive directly to your bank account as per the guidelines which is Rs 34 / per kg.
How to Apply for a Ration Card Online?
In order to apply for the new ration card under the Anna Bhagya Scheme, you need to follow a few steps that are stated below.
- Visit the official website of the Anna Bhagya Scheme
- Look for the “e-services” tab and click on that or you can click on the direct link as shown.
- A list of different services will be displayed on the left side of the screen. Click on the procedure drop-down menu and then click on “New Ration Card”
- As soon as you click on that, a New Ration Card Application Form will be displayed in two languages Kannada and English. You have to opt for either of the languages.
Please note that to apply for a new Ration Card, it is obligatory to provide Aadhaar information.
New Ration Card Request:
- Click on the “New Ration Card Request” option to initiate the Ration Card application.
- Choose “Non-Priority Household (NPHH)” to apply for an NPHH Ration Card.
- Enter the Aadhaar Number and the registered Mobile Number and click on the “Go” button.
- Provide consent to share the Aadhaar Number for Ration Card incorporation by selecting the Aadhaar consent option.
Aadhaar Authentication Options:
- Two Aadhaar-based authentication options are provided:
- One Time Password (OTP) to the registered Mobile Number: Receive OTP on the Aadhaar-registered mobile, enter it along with the Captcha, and click “Go” after verification.
- Fingerprint Verification Authentication: Capture your fingerprint using a biometric device, enter the Captcha, click “Verify,” and proceed.
After Successful Authentication:
- Details like Name, Date of Birth, Year of Birth, Gender, and Photo from Aadhaar are displayed.
- Click on “Add” to generate the Application Number.
Additional Steps:
- If the Ration Card already exists for the entered Aadhaar Number, consent is required to delete it from the existing card before applying for a new one.
- If the member to be deleted is the Head of the Family (HOF), assign a new HOF and specify the relationship of other members with the new HOF.
- For female members over 18 years in the existing Ration Card, assign the eldest as the HOF.
Application Submission:
- Click “Save” after assigning relationships.
- Select “Yes” if willing to draw ration.
- The printed Ration Card copy will be delivered through Speed Post with a service charge of Rs 70.
- Select “Go” to submit the application; a specimen copy of the Ration Card is displayed.
- If the details are correct, proceed to generate the Ration Card by clicking “Generate RC.”
- Take a printout by clicking “Print.”
You can also check your Ration Card Status by visiting the Anna Bhagya Official website. You just need to enter your RC number and you are good to go.
In case of any query regarding the scheme, you can put in your question through the grievance section.
Results of Anna Bhagya Scheme:
The Annabhagya scheme, aimed at eradicating hunger in Karnataka, has made significant strides in fulfilling its mission. By supplying essential nutrients like rice, wheat, millet, maize, doubly fortified edible oil, doubly fortified salt, and pulses to ration cardholders at no or concessional cost, the program has successfully enhanced food security. This initiative has not only increased the purchasing power of beneficiary families but also allowed them to allocate their labor toward other crucial family needs.
The distribution of food grains under the Annabhagya Yojana has positively impacted the livelihoods of beneficiaries. The inclusion of coarse grains such as millet, maize, and pulses, procured through the Support Price Scheme, has created valuable markets for local farmers. This approach not only provides financial stability to farmers but also promotes the cultivation of local food grains.
In summary, the Annabhagya Yojana has significantly elevated the standard of living by ensuring food security for ration beneficiary families, thereby contributing to a more dignified life.
Implementation of “Dasoha Yojana” along with Annabhagya Yojana
The Central Government, in the fiscal year 2017-18, allocated funds for the implementation of the “Dasoha Yojana” in conjunction with the Annabhagya Yojana. These funds were designated for welfare institutions like Nariniketan, Old Age Homes, Orphanages, Hostels, and Refugee/Beggar Rehabilitation Centers through the Other Welfare Scheme (OWS). ‘
The allocated funds were utilized to purchase food grains at Below Poverty Line (BPL) rates, including 10kg of rice and 5kg of wheat per resident. The distribution, starting from September 2017, is part of the Dasoha scheme, which aims to provide free food grains. To ensure transparency, the government introduced online registration for eligible institutions, sharing Aadhaar and biometric information with the National Informatics Centre (NIC) for efficient resource allocation.
Exceptions were made for residents without Aadhaar or those unable to undergo biometric authentication. Special considerations were extended to institutions with residents difficult to identify. As of December 2017, 277.25 metric tons of rice and 138.625 metric tons of wheat have been distributed to 27,725 residents across 413 institutions under the Dasoha scheme.
About Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY):
The Central Government has implemented Antyodaya Anna Yojana for the poorest of the poor who do not have time for two meals a day, and the scheme has been implemented in the state since August 2002. Families at the bottom of the poverty line such as landless agricultural laborers, widow-headed households, HIV with no fixed income. Affected/affected families, families headed by elderly people without any fixed income are included in the scope of this scheme. Such beneficiaries are identified and recommended by the Gram Panchayat in the village meeting. As per the latest data 1.5 crore families or 23% of BPL families have been identified under this scheme.
Distribution of Kerosine
A standardized rate for kerosene distribution has been uniformly applied throughout the state. Currently, non-gas priority and Antyodaya ration cardholders receive 3 liters per month, while all categories of ration cardholders registered in Gram Panchayats in rural areas are eligible for one liter of kerosene at the rate of Rs. 35/- per liter. Kerosene allocated by the central government for specific purposes like fairs, floods, and fishing is distributed to coastal districts (Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, and Uttara Kannada) based on permits issued by the District Collector for fishing activities, amounting to 1355 Kl per month at 300 L per boat during the fishing season.
In Shimoga District, Bangalore Urban District, Bangalore Rural District, Bangalore Informal Ration Areas, and all urban areas of Dakshina Kannada District, the distribution of ration kerosene has been ceased, and these areas have been transformed into kerosene-free zones.
Anna Bhagya Scheme FAQs
Who is eligible for the Anna Bhagya Scheme?
A permanent resident of Karnataka who falls under the BPL line and has a BPL card is eligible for the scheme.
What is the Anna Bhagya Scheme 2023 in Karnataka?
Anna Bhagya Scheme 2023 is a rice distribution scheme by the government of Karnataka which will be distributing 10 Kg of rice to each eligible person of Karnataka. In case the government fails to distribute 10 Kg of rice, you will get the price of 10kg rice at a rate of Rs 34 per kg.
What is the government’s contribution to the Anna Bhagya Scheme?
The whole expense of the rice will be borne by the government. You don’t have to pay for anything.
