Karnataka to revise 22 lakh BPL cards amid concerns of invalidation

A report submitted by the e-Governance department to the Karnataka government has revealed that around 22 lakh Below Poverty Line (BPL) cards are deemed invalid, sparking concerns among cardholders. The report, broken down on a district level, indicates that a significant portion of these cards are fraudulent, with an estimated 25% of BPL cardholders identified as ineligible.

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In Bengaluru, genuine cardholders have expressed anxiety as they queue outside ration shops, fearing their cards could also be invalidated. Some ration shops have displayed lists educating the public about the ongoing revision process, which aims to weed out fraudulent cardholders.

In response, senior Congress leader KH Muniyappa assured the public that no legitimate BPL cardholder would lose their card. He acknowledged the need to remove fake cards but reassured that the government would support genuine beneficiaries. Muniyappa emphasized that some financially stable individuals had inappropriately obtained BPL cards, and this issue had to be addressed.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah also offered his support, emphasizing that his government remains committed to assisting the poor and underprivileged. He stated that the BPL card revision process would be completed within the next fortnight, ensuring no genuine beneficiary is left behind. The revision aims to ensure that only those truly in need benefit from the program.