Anna Bhagya: CM, minister not on same page over supply

Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy and his Cabinet colleague, Food and Civil Supplies Minister B Z Zameer Ahmed Khan, on Tuesday issued contradictory statements on the issue of quantum of rice to be supplied under the Anna Bhagya scheme.

While the chief minister said the government will supply five kg rice per person per month as announced in his budget recently, Khan maintained that the existing seven kg rice per person will continue. “I am not aware of what the minister (Khan) has said. The government has decided to supply five kg rice,” Kumaraswamy told reporters on seeking to know the government’s decision on the issue.

Earlier in the day, Khan said the chief minister has not issued any direction so far and that seven kg supply will continue. “If it has to be cut to 5 kg, the chief minister has to discuss it with me. But he has not told anything to me or officials on reducing supply of rice. As it stands, we will continue providing 7 kg of rice,” Khan stated.

On the issue of free bus pass to students, Kumaraswamy said he has sought a detailed report from the departments concerned. “The government has already taken huge financial burden by announcing farm loan waiver. I will take an appropriate decision on the bus pass based on financial condition,” he added.