Karnataka plans scrutiny of BPL cards, highlights internal reservation milestone

Karnataka’s Food and Civil Supplies Department is preparing to tighten eligibility norms for Below Poverty Line (BPL) cards by targeting households with annual incomes above ₹1.20 lakh. Minister K. H. Muniyappa, speaking in Davanagere, said the move follows a Union government survey that recommended stricter checks to ensure benefits reach only deserving families.

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The proposal comes after Chief Minister Siddaramaiah instructed officials to act against ineligible beneficiaries while protecting genuine claimants. He also stressed that overlooked households should be promptly issued BPL cards. As part of the review, officials were asked to draft plans to expand Anna Bhagya kits, which currently include rice, by adding nutritious grains and essential supplies. So far, more than 3.65 lakh ration cards have been either cancelled or reclassified to improve accuracy in welfare delivery.

Newly implemented internal reservation within Scheduled Castes

Alongside welfare reforms, Muniyappa underscored the significance of the newly implemented internal reservation within Scheduled Castes. He described it as a breakthrough after decades of demand, crediting the leadership of Siddaramaiah, Deputy Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar, and other state leaders. The restructured quota divides benefits among 101 castes, aiming to promote fairness without displacing any group.

The announcement in Davanagere marked the state’s first public celebration since the rollout of internal reservation. Muniyappa urged communities to make use of the opportunities created by the measure, describing it as a collective step toward social justice.