Karnataka Puts BPL Card Cancellations on Hold, Orders Fresh Verification
Minister Rizwan Arshad says around 3.5 lakh proposed cancellations have been paused while the government reviews beneficiary eligibility.
Udupi: The Karnataka government has temporarily stopped the cancellation of BPL ration cards to allow officials to verify the eligibility of beneficiaries, Minister of State for Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Rizwan Arshad said on Friday.
Speaking to reporters in Udupi, Arshad said the Centre had instructed Karnataka to cancel around 7.59 lakh BPL cards. Of these, nearly four lakh cards had already been cancelled in line with the central government’s directions.
The minister said he had instructed officials to pause further cancellations and carry out a proper verification process.
The cancellation of around 3.5 lakh cards has now been put on hold. The government will decide on the next steps after discussions at the official level, he said.
e KYC for 2.59 crore ration cards
Arshad said e KYC for ration cards had last been conducted around five years ago and that the Centre had now asked Karnataka to undertake the process again.
Around 2.59 crore ration cards in the state will have to undergo e KYC. The exercise is expected to help authorities identify beneficiaries who have died, those whose economic status has changed and people who may no longer need ration benefits.
The minister said the e KYC process should be completed by September 31.
On the issue of issuing new BPL cards, Arshad said the government would discuss the matter before taking a decision. He noted that he had assumed charge of the department only a day earlier.
Kuchalakki rice for coastal Karnataka
Responding to demands for the inclusion of Kuchalakki, or boiled rice, in the public distribution system in coastal Karnataka, Arshad said he would examine the proposal.
He said the government had made changes to food distribution based on the requirements of different regions and would consider whether Kuchalakki could also be supplied in coastal areas.
Arshad hits back at BJP criticism
Reacting to BJP criticism over reports that Minister Zameer Ahmed Khan had declined to hoist the Independence Day flag, Arshad said the BJP was not in a position to question the Congress on the issue.
He referred to the RSS and its past record regarding the national flag, saying the Congress had historically fought against British rule under the national flag.
Arshad said he understood that Zameer Ahmed Khan had declined the responsibility because he did not want to continue as district in charge minister and had other responsibilities. However, he said he had been travelling and did not have complete information about the matter.
Government denies targeting RSS
On allegations that the government was targeting the RSS by restricting activities on school and Muzrai temple premises, Arshad said no specific reference had been made to the organisation.
He said several organisations use public spaces such as school grounds and parks, and the government needs to know whether these groups are officially registered and what kind of activities they conduct.
According to Arshad, registered organisations can use such premises in accordance with the rules, while unauthorised groups should not be permitted to conduct activities there.
He reiterated that the government’s instructions did not specifically name the RSS.