Bengaluru, October 10, 2025 – In a significant policy shift aimed at enhancing nutritional value and reducing financial strain on the exchequer, the Karnataka Cabinet on Thursday approved modifications to the flagship Anna Bhagya scheme, replacing the additional 5kg free rice allocation with the newly introduced 'Indira Food Kit'. The move, which targets curbing misuse of rice supplies while promoting a more balanced diet for low-income families, is expected to benefit around 1.26 crore Public Distribution System (PDS) households across the state.
Under the revamped scheme, beneficiaries – primarily Below Poverty Line (BPL) families holding ration cards – will now receive 5kg of rice per family member instead of the previous 10kg, supplemented by the Indira Food Kit in lieu of the remaining 5kg. The kit, named after former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, will contain 2kg of tur dal, 1kg each of edible oil, sugar, and salt, providing a more diverse nutritional package. This change is projected to serve approximately 4.48 crore individuals statewide.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, who chaired the cabinet meeting, hailed the decision as a "pro-people initiative" that addresses long-standing concerns over the diversion of rice to black markets and distilleries. "The Anna Bhagya scheme has been a lifeline for millions, but reports of misuse compelled us to evolve it. The Indira Food Kit not only saves costs but ensures better health outcomes for our vulnerable sections," Siddaramaiah said in a statement released after the meeting.
The annual expenditure for the modified scheme is estimated at Rs 6,119 crore, down from the previous outlay, resulting in monthly savings of Rs 306.48 crore for the state government. Distribution will continue through the existing network of fair price shops, with implementation slated to begin within the next few months pending logistical arrangements.
The proposal builds on earlier discussions from June 2025, when the government first floated the idea of nutrition-rich kits to replace rice amid rising procurement costs and reports of pilferage. Welfare Minister HC Mahadevappa emphasized the health benefits, noting that the kit's components – high in protein from tur dal and essential for daily cooking – could help combat malnutrition in rural and urban poor households. "This is a step towards sustainable welfare. Rice alone isn't enough; we need variety to fight hidden hunger," Mahadevappa told reporters.
However, the announcement has drawn mixed reactions. Opposition BJP leaders criticized the move as a cost-cutting measure disguised as reform, with state BJP president BY Vijayendra accusing the Congress government of "downgrading" a popular scheme. "Reducing rice from 10kg to 5kg will burden families who rely on it as a staple. The so-called kit is no substitute," Vijayendra posted on social media.
Civil society groups and nutrition experts, on the other hand, welcomed the nutritional upgrade. Dr. Anjali Kumar, a public health specialist at Bengaluru's National Institute of Nutrition, described it as "a progressive shift," adding that incorporating pulses and oils could reduce micronutrient deficiencies prevalent in BPL diets.
The Anna Bhagya scheme, launched in 2013 by then-Chief Minister Siddaramaiah during his first term, provides subsidized food grains to over 1.26 crore families as part of the National Food Security Act. The modification comes at a time when Karnataka grapples with fiscal pressures from drought relief and infrastructure projects, making such optimizations crucial.
Authorities have assured smooth rollout, with the Food and Civil Supplies Department tasked with awareness campaigns and grievance redressal mechanisms. Further details on pricing and procurement for the kit components are expected in the coming weeks.
As Karnataka leads in welfare innovations – including its recent approval of paid menstrual leaves – this tweak to Anna Bhagya underscores the government's balancing act between fiscal prudence and social equity. Beneficiaries are urged to update their ration cards if needed to access the new entitlements.
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