Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru/Udupi (MS)

Mangaluru/Udupi, Oct 19: The state government has initiated the verification of BPL cards in a cost-cutting measure, focusing on 54,093 cards in Dakshina Kannada and 39,627 in Udupi. Officials estimate that about 2% of these cards could be cancelled, but only after thorough investigation.

Cardholders are facing difficulties as they are required to provide additional evidence during verification, particularly those benefiting from the Annabhagya scheme. Ration cards will be cancelled based on the family’s financial status and income.

Public outrage has grown over the cancellation of BPL cards for income tax payers, some of whom claim they have not filed returns and are being wrongly identified. The food inspector is responsible for cancelling ineligible cards.

If a card is cancelled, the holder can appeal to the district deputy director's office after obtaining reports from the food inspector and tahsildar. New cards must be obtained in such cases, although BPL cards have not been issued for several years. Cards will also be cancelled for families with members owning cars or living overseas.

Deputy director of the food department, Ravindra, stated that all cards will be scrutinized thoroughly, and only those proven ineligible will be cancelled.