Karnataka CM promises cheaper rice for lower middle-class families

The Congress, which wrested power from BJP in Karnataka early this month, is taking forward its pledge of 30kg rice at Re.1 a kg for poor families with a plan to offer rice at less than Rs.9 a kg for the lower middle-income group in the state.

"We are thinking of providing rice to APL (above poverty line) card holders also at cheaper price. Now it is sold at Rs.9 a kg while the market price is about Rs.25 a kg," Chief Minister Siddaramaiah told reporters in this city, about 130 km from Bangalore.

Siddaramiah, who assumed office May 13, did not indicate what the price would be and from when the plan would be implemented.

Discussions were on with officials and a decision would be taken soon, he said on the margins of a function at the Congress party office to pay tribute to former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi on his death anniversary .

The 30 kg rice per month at Re.1 a kg for below poverty line (BPL) families would start from June 1. This was a promise the Congress had made in its manifesto for the May 5 poll to the 225-member assembly.

The Congress won 121 seas and the Bharatiya Janata Party was heavily defeated. It won 40 seats.