BENGALURU: Food and civil supplies minister, Zameer Ahmad Khan, asserted that Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy did not propose to roll back the quantity of rice supplied to BPL families from 7 kg to 5 kg under ‘Anna Bhagya’ scheme. He told the media here on Tuesday that during his reply to the debate on budget proposals, the Chief Minister has not stated about reduction in quantity of rice to be supplied under ‘Anna Bhagya’ scheme, and there was no discussion in this regard.
“After Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy presented the budget, I requested him not to reduce the quantity of the rice. At present 7 k.g of rice being distributed to BPL families for free,” the minister added. Meanwhile, the minister ordered for suspension of joint director of food and civil supplies department, Rameshwarappa, for theft of 1165 quintals of rice, 36 quintals of tur dal at godown in Nanjanagud taluk.
The department has also placed under suspension the depot manager, and computer operator, The minister ordered registration of FIRs against the tainted officials. Opposition leader in the Assembly, B.S. Yeddyurappa alleged that Anna Bhagya rice was stolen from a godown. Taking note of charges of the Opposition leader, the minister decided to visit major godowns in the state and examine the matter.
