Bengaluru, July 9, 2025 – After an indefinite statewide strike by truckers that threatened delivery under the Anna Bhagya scheme, the Karnataka government has issued a formal order to release ₹244.1 crore in pending dues — leading to an immediate resumption of transport services.
What Prompted the Shutdown
Beginning July 7, the Federation of Karnataka State Lorry Owners and Agents’ Association and allied bodies halted transportation of subsidised rice, protesting unpaid dues of approximately ₹250–260 crore, covering February–June 2025.
GR Shanmugappa, group president, highlighted severe financial pressure on around 3,500–4,000 drivers:
“Some have pawned jewellery… facing truck seizures by finance companies.”
The strike risked disrupting foodgrain supply to ration shops and undermining the flagship Anna Bhagya scheme.
Government Response
An official order from the Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs Dept. dated July 8 authorised ₹244.10 crore for incidental costs — including transportation, wholesale, and retail margins — under the scheme.
Payment is to be facilitated via Khajane‑2 directly to the Chief Accounts Officer of the Bengaluru Urban Zilla Panchayat.
Breakdown of the ₹244.1 crore allocation: ₹180.63 cr from general quota, ₹43.93 cr from SCSP, and ₹19.52 cr from STSP.
Strike Called Off
The truckers withdrew their strike once they received written assurance that the dues would be settled within 48 hours.
They are also expecting return of tender Earnest Money Deposits (~₹26 crore) within four days
Transport operations under Anna Bhagya have resumed, easing fears of foodgrain shortages.
Political & Social Ramifications
The ruling Congress government, led by CM Siddaramaiah, faced criticism from BJP leaders. R. Ashoka questioned the delay in payments to lorry owners, highlighting impacts on drivers’ livelihoods.
BJP Karnataka chief BY Vijayendra accused the state of fiscal mismanagement and negligence towards essential transport workers.
What’s Next
The truckers expect full clearance of pending dues within two days.
Authorities will monitor fund disbursement and the return of tender deposits.
Thanks to the swift intervention, rice distribution under Anna Bhagya is back on track—preventing supply chain disruptions that could have affected millions.
This incident spotlights the critical link between timely payments and essential service delivery. While the state averted a major crisis, the episode underscores the urgent need for financial agility in public welfare logistics.