CM Siddaramaiah announces hike in commission for ration distributors

Bengaluru: Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has announced an increase in the commission provided to ration distributors in the state.

Speaking at the ‘Annabhagya Dashamanotsava’ and State Government Ration Distributors’ Conference held at Palace Grounds on Thursday, the Chief Minister declared that the commission would now be raised to Rs 1.50 per kilogram of rice, up from the previous rate of Rs 1.24 per kilogram.

Acknowledging the difficulties encountered by ration distributors, Siddaramaiah emphasized the importance of supporting those involved in the distribution of essential commodities. “I am aware of the hardships of ration distributors. Food and Civil Supplies Minister K H Muniyappa had also requested to increase the commission. Considering all this, we will increase the commission to Rs 1.50,” the Chief Minister stated.

Highlighting the government’s commitment to eradicating hunger in the state, Siddaramaiah took a swipe at political opponents, asserting, “BJP seeks for a Congress-free India. But we are going to build a hunger-free Karnataka. We have programs that are pro-poor, Dalits, backward, laborers, and farmers in the state.”

Continuing his criticism of the BJP, Siddaramaiah recalled past opposition to crucial welfare initiatives. “The BJP had opposed the Food Security Act. Prime Minister Narendra Modi as the Chief Minister of Gujarat had opposed the food security and NAREGA programs. BJP leaders had spoken derisively about the Annabhagya Yojana. BJP coming to power, with such a stance, is a tragedy,” he remarked.

Echoing the sentiments expressed by the Chief Minister, Food Minister KH Muniyappa underscored the importance of supporting initiatives aimed at addressing food security concerns. “Manmohan Singh announced a scheme to provide rice under the right to food security. I was in his cabinet then. Siddaramaiah successfully implemented this scheme in the state. You should stand with those who have satisfied your hunger,” Muniyappa asserted.