Bangalore: EC directs govt to stop issuing ration cards, other benefits
From Our Special Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network - Bangalore
Bangalore, Mar 27: In a bid to ensure level-playing field to all political parties in the ensuing Karnataka Assembly elections on May 5, State Chief Electoral Officer has directed the BJP Government in the State to stop issuing new ration cards, including BPL, and identification of new beneficiaries under various social security and welfare schemes.
Chief Electoral Officer Anil Kumar Jha has ordered the Government to immediately stop the measures for identification of new beneficiaries under social welfare schemes till the completion of the election process.
He said the applications, which have been already received, would be kept under abeyance till the end of model code of conduct.
The State’s Food and Civil Supplies and Revenue Departments have been asked to stop acceptance of new applications for ration cards under the public distribution scheme.
The CEO has also asked the Governemnt to stop acceptance of applications and identification of new pensioners under old age, widow, handicapped schemes.
“No new grants will be sanctioned. No new beneficiaries will be indentified under social security schemes” Jha told reporters on Wednesday.
He said the Women and Child Development Department has been directed not to accept applications under the Bhaghyalakshmi scheme for issuing of insurance bonds in the name of newly born girl child in the BPL families.
“The State Government or the ruling party should not have upper hand in the elections over other political parties,” he said adding: ''Our aim is to ensure level-playing field to all political parties.”
The CEO said the State Government has also been directed to remove all links on advertisements posted on its official websites.
The links to the advertisements on the official website (karunadu.gov.in) of the State Government has been removed, he said.
Jha said four lakh fresh applications have been received for inclusion of names in the electoral roll across the State.
Officials have approved 2.24 lakh applications so far, he said.
He mentioned that April 7 is the last day for submitting applications for inclusion or deletion of names in the electoral rolls.