Now, K'taka govt plans to roll out ‘Indira Food Kit’ for BPL families

In a bid to curb the misuse of rice provided in public distribution system (PDS), the state government is mulling on introducing “Indira Food Kits” - containing nutrient-rich essential commodities —as an alternative to the additional five kgs of rice currently provided under the Anna Bhagya scheme.

According to sources in the Food and Civil Supplies Department, a formal proposal to this effect has been prepared and is likely to be presented at the upcoming Cabinet meeting scheduled for July 2 at Nandi Hills on the outskirts of Bengaluru.

The move is part of a larger strategy to address concerns that excess rice provided to beneficiaries is being diverted to the black market and sold at below-market rates.

Under the National Food Security Act, the Anna Bhagya scheme currently entitles each Priority Household (PHH) ration card holder to 10 kg of rice per month — 5 kg provided by the central government and another five kg by the state government, both free of cost. However, recent assessments reveal that some families are receiving more rice than they actually consume, leading to surplus stock being illicitly traded.

To address this issue, the Food and Civil Supplies Department has proposed that instead of the additional five kg of rice, families will get nutrition kits.

“Each kit is designed to include a balanced mix of essential food items such as sugar, salt, toor dal, cooking oil, tea powder, coffee powder, and wheat,” the source explained.

Currently, the cost of rice (including transportation) stands at Rs 25.50 per kg. Given the scale of distribution—10 kg per beneficiary—the monthly financial burden on the state government is approximately Rs 573 crore, which comes to Rs 6,876 crore annually.

A recent survey conducted by the state government found that over 90% of beneficiaries preferred a kit containing pulses, oil, sugar, and similar essentials over extra rice or direct cash transfers. “This overwhelming preference for diversified nutritional support has prompted the state government to explore this alternative distribution model seriously,” the source said.

The proposed kit is expected to consist of the following items: one kg sugar, one kg salt, one kg toor dal, one litre of cooking oil, 100 grams of tea powder, 50 grams of coffee powder, and two kgs of wheat. Karnataka has approximately 1.28 crore Below Poverty Line (BPL) beneficiary families, with an estimated average of 3.5 members per family.

According to the department’s calculations, each kit could cost around Rs 400 per family per month. This results in a projected monthly expenditure of Rs 512 crore and an annual outlay of Rs 6,144 crore. When compared to the current rice distribution model, the kit-based system could save the state nearly Rs 60 crore per month—amounting to an estimated annual savings of Rs 720 crore.

Beyond financial efficiency, the shift to nutrition kits is also expected to yield public health benefits. In the short term, the kits will enhance the intake of proteins, healthy fats, and micronutrients among low-income households.

The government plans to ensure fair and transparent distribution by leveraging Aadhaar-linked ration cards through existing fair price shops.

Initially, the scheme is likely to be implemented on a pilot basis in select districts. Following a thorough evaluation of its impact, the government intends to expand the program in phases across the entire state. The required items for the kits may be procured either through the Karnataka State Civil Supplies Corporation or other authorised agencies. To guarantee accountability and transparency, the proposal also recommends third-party audits and social accounting mechanisms.

Food and Civil Supplies Minister K H Muniyappa stated said” “We have devised a plan to provide nutrition kits instead of excess ration rice, which often finds its way into the black market. This proposal will be presented in the next Cabinet meeting.”