Karnataka government is running Anna Bhagya Scheme to give free rice to below poverty line families across the state. Eligible households get 10 kg of rice every month, which is 5 kg of regular ration rice plus an extra 5 kg added under this scheme. Around 4.44 crore beneficiaries are getting the additional 5 kg of rice each month.
This scheme is meant for BPL families holding Antyodaya or Priority Household ration cards linked to Aadhaar. Started in July 2023, it has become one of the main food security schemes in Karnataka, with over Rs 11,561 crore transferred through Direct Benefit Transfer between July 2023 and December 2024 covering more than 72 crore beneficiary instances.
Understanding Anna Bhagya Scheme
Anna Bhagya Scheme is one of the five guarantee schemes of the Karnataka government, made to help families in the economically weaker sections. It gives free food grains to permanent residents of Karnataka who fall below the poverty line. Each eligible household gets 10 kg of rice a month, which helps families who struggle to manage their monthly food needs.
When the scheme started, the plan was to give 5 kg of rice and Rs 170 in cash for another 5 kg. From February 2025, the Karnataka government decided to give an extra 5 kg of rice instead of the cash, so beneficiaries now get the full 10 kg of rice directly. Food Minister K.H. Muniyappa confirmed this change, which was possible after the central government allowed the state to use surplus stock from the Food Corporation of India.
Key Highlights of Anna Bhagya Scheme
| Key Highlights | Details |
|---|---|
| Name of the Scheme | Karnataka Anna Bhagya Scheme |
| Launched By | Government of Karnataka |
| Launch Date | 9th July 2023 |
| Objective | Free rice to BPL families |
| Target Beneficiaries | Below Poverty Line (BPL) families |
| Monthly Benefit | 10 kg of rice |
| Documents Required | Aadhaar Card, Ration Card |
| Application Process | Online |
| Official Website | Karnataka Food Authority |
| Helpline | 1967 |
Eligibility for Anna Bhagya Scheme
To get free rice under Anna Bhagya Scheme, you need to meet a few basic rules set by the Karnataka government. Here is who can apply:
- You must be a permanent resident of Karnataka.
- Your name must be in the Karnataka electoral roll. From 2026, the state has linked guarantee scheme benefits to the voter list, so only people whose names are in the roll will keep getting the rice benefit.
- Your family must hold a BPL, Antyodaya, or Priority Household ration card linked to Aadhaar.
- The applicant should be at least 18 years old.
Voter List Now Linked to Anna Bhagya Benefits
Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar has said that only voters whose names are in the electoral roll will get benefits under the state guarantee schemes, which includes Anna Bhagya. During a review meeting at Vidhana Soudha, he asked officials to make sure no eligible family is left out, while stopping ineligible people from misusing the schemes. So families who want to keep getting free rice should make sure their names stay in the Karnataka voter list.
With the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls going on in the state, the CM has asked beneficiaries to check that their names are not removed during this exercise. If a name gets dropped from the voter list during SIR, the benefit could stop, so it is worth checking your status on the electoral roll now through the ECI portal or the Karnataka CEO website. The government has also said the schemes should benefit only Karnataka residents, and benefits going to voters from other states will be stopped.
Benefits of Anna Bhagya Scheme
Anna Bhagya Scheme gives steady food support to poor families in Karnataka. Here are the main benefits:
- Each eligible household gets 10 kg of rice every month, which helps stop food scarcity in poor families.
- The extra 5 kg of rice now replaces the earlier cash component, so families get more grain directly.
- The rice reaches families through their existing ration cards, so there is no separate application for those already in the BPL list.
Documents Required for Application
You only need two basic documents to be part of Anna Bhagya Scheme, since the rice is linked to your ration card:
- Aadhaar Card linked to your ration card
- BPL, Antyodaya, or Priority Household Ration Card
How to Check Your Name on Anna Bhagya Beneficiary List
You can check whether your ration card is eligible for Anna Bhagya benefits on the official Karnataka food department portal. Follow these steps:
STEP 1 - Visit the official Karnataka food department website at ahara.karnataka.gov.in and open the eligible ration card statistics page.
STEP 2 - Look for the 'check list' option on the homepage and click on it.
STEP 3 - Choose one of the available options based on your district and address details.
STEP 4 - A new page will open showing the list of beneficiaries for your area, where you can find your district and ration card details.
Helpline and Contact Information
For any help related to Anna Bhagya Scheme or your ration card, you can dial the food department helpline number 1967. You can also visit your nearest ration shop or taluk food office for support.
FAQ's
How much rice is given under Anna Bhagya Scheme?
Each eligible BPL household gets 10 kg of rice every month, which is 5 kg of regular ration rice plus an extra 5 kg added under this scheme.
Is voter list name required for Anna Bhagya now?
Yes. From 2026, the Karnataka government has linked guarantee scheme benefits to the electoral roll. Only families whose names are in the voter list will keep getting the rice, so make sure your name stays on the roll during the ongoing SIR exercise.
When was Anna Bhagya Scheme launched?
Karnataka government launched Anna Bhagya Scheme on July 9, 2023, as one of its five guarantee schemes.
Do I need a separate application for Anna Bhagya?
No separate application is needed if you already hold a valid BPL, Antyodaya, or Priority Household ration card linked to Aadhaar. The rice benefit is added to your existing ration card.
Who is eligible for Anna Bhagya Scheme?
Permanent residents of Karnataka who hold a BPL, Antyodaya, or Priority Household ration card and whose names are in the state electoral roll can get the benefit.