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Raipur (Chhattisgarh) – Reports have emerged that Christian missionaries are exploiting the ‘Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana,’ introduced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the poor, as well as the State Government’s ‘Annapurna Yojana.’ These missionaries reportedly collect a handful of rice as a donation from the Government-supplied rice distributed to the poor. Each family member donates a handful of rice daily, which is then amassed in large quantities and sold in the open market at Rs 25–30 per kg. Estimates suggest that this malpractice generates an annual income exceeding Rs 100 crore, which is purportedly used to pay preachers and support missionary activities in rural areas.
Chhattisgarh, with a population of 3.05 crore, has approximately 2.5 crore beneficiaries of Government food programs. Under these schemes, a family of four receives 35 kg of rice per month. However, the misuse of Government rice is creating new societal challenges. Since the stricter implementation of the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) in 2019, missionaries have faced obstacles in acquiring foreign funding. Consequently, they have turned to rice collection as an alternative source of income.
Chhattisgarh State entrapped by Christian missionaries
Chhattisgarh, particularly Jashpur District, has reportedly witnessed a sharp rise in its Christian population. In 2011, Christians accounted for 22.5% (1.89 lakh) of Jashpur’s population. This figure is now estimated to exceed 35% (over 3 lakh). In Districts such as Ambikapur, Raigarh, and Balrampur, which are under substantial missionary influence, the annual income generated through rice collection is estimated at Rs 50–55 crore.
Stance of Hindutva organisations
1.Former Bajrang Dal president Nitin Rai stated that missionaries conduct conversions through so-called healing meetings.
2.Judicial advisor to Kalyan Ashram, Satyendra Tiwari, noted that missionaries now receive foreign funding only for schools and hospitals. Consequently, Government-provided rice has become a crucial financial resource for them. Kalyan Ashram is an anti-conversion activist group.
Government’s assurance of strict action
Chhattisgarh’s Minister for Food and Civil Supplies, Dayal Das Baghel, addressed the issue, stating, “The central government is providing grains for the poor. If some individuals are misusing it for conversions, it is a serious matter. We will investigate the entire case.” He assured strict action against those responsible.
How the misuse was exposed
In 2020, ten individuals were apprehended during a healing meeting and revealed details of the “one handful of rice” scheme in Samarbahar village of Jashpur. Similar admissions were made by individuals arrested in January 2024 in Jurgum village of Jashpur.
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