Siddaramaiah orders reinstatement of ration cards amid BPL controversy
What's the story
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has ordered a halt to the cancelation of ration cards of poor families.
The decision comes after a controversy over reports that over 22.6 lakh Below Poverty Line (BPL) cardholders were found ineligible.
The state government had conducted a survey in August 2024, marking these individuals as not qualifying for BPL status.
Official statement
CM's office clarifies stance on ration card cancelation
The Chief Minister's Office has clarified that ration cards should only be canceled for government employees and income tax payers.
Siddaramaiah has warned of action against Food Department officials if ration cards are unjustly revoked.
"If the ration cards of poor families are canceled without reason, they should be reinstated immediately," stated the Chief Minister's Office.
Data accuracy
BPL card revision necessary for accurate data: Minister
The controversy revolves around the possible withdrawal of benefits like the Anna Bhagya scheme (10kg food grains/month) and the Gruha Lakshmi scheme (₹2,000/month to women heads of BPL families).
Karnataka's Food, Civil Supplies, and Consumer Affairs Minister KH Muniyappa said the BPL list required revision to reflect correct data.
He said in Karnataka, a high tax revenue state, 75-80% people can't be BPL cardholders.
Card conversion
BPL cards to be converted, not canceled: Muniyappa
Muniyappa clarified that instead of canceling, BPL cards would be converted to Above Poverty Line (APL) cards.
Eligibility criteria include exclusion for those in government jobs, income taxpayers or those with an annual income above ₹1.2 lakh.
The announcement was met with criticism from opposition Bharatiata Janata Party leaders who accused the Congress government of alienating the poor and causing hardship.
BJP leaders staged protests in Bengaluru against the government's move.
Reissuance assurance
Deputy CM assures reissuance of wrongly canceled BPL cards
Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar assured that wrongly canceled BPL cards would be reissued to eligible households.
He said discrepancies would be addressed and a review is underway to eliminate ineligible beneficiaries.
Shivakumar said a list of canceled cards would be sent to MLAs for verification and home visits would resolve errors in cancelations.