Bangalore : In a move to bring down foodgrain prices, the Karnataka government has announced two schemes under which most people can buy rice and wheat at highly subsidised rates.

Effective August 15, employees of the central and state governments and private companies can buy 50 kg of rice at Rs 13 per kg and wheat at Rs 9.50 from 140 outlets.

Last year, then food and civil supplies minister H Halappa had announced that sona masuri rice would be made available at Janata Bazaars at Rs 18 a kg. After the holding of one successful 'Akki Sante', the scheme quietly vanished

The BJP government on Thursday said all that is required to avail of the rice and wheat is documents to establish identity and address of the buyer. The foodgrains will be sold at the 140 godowns of the Karnataka food and civil supplies department across the state.

Food and civil supplies minister R Ashoka said this scheme is open to all. Any of the 14 documents listed by the Election Commission as identity proof can be furnished; ration card is not mandatory.

A second scheme was announced for above poverty line (APL) families who will be given 5 kg of rice at Rs 9.40 and 2 kg of wheat at Rs 7.20 from September. Here, rice and wheat will be of PDS quality.

Queried about the possibility of the 50 kg scheme being misused - with more than one member of a family buying stock by furnishing ID proof - Ashoka said some teething problems will be there. "As the buyers have to purchase from godowns in their respective areas and the address entry would be made manually, the scope for misuse will be reduced.''

He said 38,553 tonnes of rice and 59,456 tonnes of wheat would be distributed under the 50 kg scheme. The department has estimated that more than 8 lakh families will benefit. Even organizations running old-age homes and orphanages, and social welfare charities, can participate. "Those availing of foodgrains under the below poverty scheme can also make use of the scheme if they want rice or wheat in bulk for family functions," Ashoka said.

Under the second scheme, over 1.50 lakh tonnes of rice and 38,640 tonnes of wheat will be distributed. Government will, however, distribute 10 kg of rice and 4 kg of wheat for August.