Putturu : Minister for Forest, Environment and Ecology and District in-Charge B Ramanath Rai said it was unfortunate that a scheme like ‘Anna Bhagya’, despite being aimed at empowering the socially and financially weaker sections, is subject to criticism.

The scheme is implemented by the state government towards hunger free Karnataka, he said.

Speaking after initiating the revised Anna Bhagya scheme for the distribution of free rice and wheat to APL and Antyodaya card holders at Zilla Panchayat Hall in Mangaluru on Friday, Rai said opposition has been making criticism that is meant for weakening the deprived class and to make them jobless, even though the scheme has a genuine purpose.

The State government has implemented many schemes for the betterment of weaker sections and there have been oppositions for many of the public welfare schemes. The government understands the difficulties of people. Before Land Reforms Act came into existence, there was a dearth for a single meal in many families.

The critics should understand this, he said and added that Siddaramaiah lead state government has fulfilled its assurance given during the time of elections, by giving free access to food grains.

Zilla Panchayat President Asha Thimmappa Gowda said it should be ensured that the government schemes should not be misused. Suitable action must be initiated on those who sell the food grains, obtained through the scheme, she said.

Symbolically, 10 families were provided free food grains on the occasion. MLA J R Lobo, Deputy Commissioner A B Ibrahim, Food and Civil supplies department Deputy Director Sharanabasappa were present among others.

Under Anna Bhagya scheme, so far, maximum of 30 kg of rice were being provided to BPL and Antyodaya Anna Yojana card holders.

From May 2015, every member of the family, holding BPL or AAY cards, will be provided 5 kg of food grains ( 4 kg of rice and 1 kg wheat), without maximum limit, for free. Also, sugar will be provided at Rs 13 per kg, palm oil at Rs 25 per kg and iodised salt of Rs 2 kg.

In the district, a total of 28,665 Antyodaya card holders and 88, 849 BPL card holders will get the benefit.

Single membered APL card holder will get 3 kg rice and 2 kg wheat and other APL card holders will get 5 kg rice and 5 kg wheat at Rs 15 and Rs 10 per kg respectively.

The APL card holders those who want to get the benefit, may register at photo centres and the respective panchayat offices.