Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru (EP)
Bengaluru, Feb 15: “We have not made any amendments to BPL card rules after BJP came to power or after I became the minister. The regulations are in force even now as per government orders No 80 DRA 2012 and 116 DAR 2015," said food and civil supplies minister Umesh Katti, in a statement to the press.
The minister had stirred a hornet's nest earlier with this statement that BPL cards would be revoked from beneficiaries who own a bike, TV or a fridge. The minister was criticised both by the public as well as opposition leaders.
In a press release, the minister has now clarified that the BJP government has not made any amendment to BPL ration card rules. "The regulations in force now are as per the government orders of 2021 and 2015. The regulations were implemented by the previous government. The BPL card will be cancelled only if the regulations are violated," he said.
"Besides, only those who have violated the regulations should return the cards before March 31. The government has come to know that a large number of families are holding BPL cards even though they are not eligible. The department has been directed to take suitable action in case such cards are not returned. The rule that those who have the facilities are not eligible for BPL cards will continue," he said.
H Vishwanth justifies statement
MLC H Vishwanath backed Umesh Katti and said that the government was right in its decision. Those who are rich also are getting BPL card facilities. The Anna Bhagya scheme in such instances becomes ineffective. Rice obtained out of BPL cards gets sold in the open market. Though a tractor driver does not have a BPL card, the owner of the tractor will have it," he said.