Pics: Dayanand Kukkaje
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (ANK)
Mangaluru, Apr 24: Minister of food and civil supplies U T Khader on Monday April 24 said that the state government will soon start 'Anila Bhagya' to provide free gas connections to the needy, as benefits under the centre's Ujjwala scheme had failed to reach the people of the state. He also allayed fears about delay in the verification of ration cards and said that the process would begin from May 3.
Addressing a press meet at the Circuit House here, Khader said, "The central government has neglected the Karnataka state government while introducing the Ujjwala scheme. This scheme has so far not reached the state. Around 2.5 lac people in the state are waiting for Ujjwal scheme, where they will get free gas connections, but it is far from becoming a reality.
"Similar to Ujjwala scheme, we will soon start 'Anila Bhagya' scheme where we will provide gas connectivity and gas stoves to the people. From May onwards, we will verify the data of those who are in need of this scheme. We will also see that whether their names are included in the Ujjwal scheme. It will amount to Rs 1,900 per connection, and the state government will bear the entire cost," he said.
On the issue of ration cards, he said, "Nearly 10 lac people have applied for ration cards. There was delay in the verification process due to non-availability of the software. Earlier, we used to verify the application via the revenue department. Now we have brought in some changes in the rules and regulations and installed new software for the smooth verification of the application. From May 3, the verification process will begin.
"People need not panic as the ration cards will reach them at the earliest via speed post," he added.
To a question on reports of his brother Ifthikar joining the BJP, U T Khader said, "My brother will not join BJP. Our parents worked for Congress and were recognised in the society for their service in the Congress. We will not go against our family and we will not spoil the name and fame earned by our parents."