Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (DV/SP)
Mangaluru, Aug 17: U T Khader, minister for food, civil supplies and consumer affairs said that he has been hurt by the statement made by former union minister and senior Congress leader, B Janardhana Poojary, against chief minister, Siddaramaiah.
He was addressing the press meet circuit house here on Tuesday, August 16.
Poojary, referring to terror unleashed on farmers agitating over Mahadayi issue, had said that curse of the farmers will adversely affect Siddaramaiah.
In reply to questions raised by press persons on this issue, Khader agreed that Poojary happens to be his leader. "Janardhana Poojary was the one who shaped my political life. I have lot of respect for him. But he was not right in passing comment against the chief minister over Mahadayi issue. Home minister, Dr G Parameshwar, had apologized from the farmers for police action. Police officers and staff who committed excesses have been suspended," he added.
BPL cards criteria reduced to 4 from 14
T Khader also said "Cabinet has approved changing certain basic criteria from 14 to bringing down to 4 for identification of families as below poverty families. Additional LPG cylinder each will be given to below poverty line families in lieu of kerosene. Those in the rural areas will be given the option of choosing either an additional cylinder or two solar lights."
"In future instead considering BPL and APL, department has named it as priority and non-priority. The families who do not come under 'priority' are government employees, the persons possessing land of 7 acres land or above, four wheeler vehicle owners. Electric bill payers above 150 units and 1000 sqft house owners in city, 1200 urban local bodies are also not eligible for priority." Khader added.
He also said the people can access the ration card under the 'Sakala' programme much faster than passport with 15 days of application. "Coupon system will help the government to plug pilferage of food grains, kerosene and bogus ration cards." he said.