Defence Minister A K Antony has said that corruption and red tapism is a major stumbling block for the Centre and state governments in ensuring that benefits of development reach the poorest of the poor. Inaugurating provision of rice for one rupee per kilogram programme of the Kerala government at Thiruvananthapuram today, he said that even if India is fast emerging as world economic power, within the country the divide between the rich and poor is also growing.Launching 'Poverty free Kerala' programme that ensures 25 kilogram of rice at one rupee per kg every month to BPL families, Defence Minister A K Antony said that the centre is deterimined to pass the Food security act in parliament this year itself. Recalling the benefits of MGNAREGA programme in reducing rural poverty he said wages under the scheme is likely to be increased soon. Defence Minister said that it is highly unfortunate that people are forced to give bribe for services legitimately due to them. Under rice for one rupee programme 21 lakh BPL families, Andyodaya annayojana beneficiaries and inmates of government approved orphanages will get the benefit. Addressing the function Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy said that one rupee rice programme will be extened to 32 lakh people in the second phase.