Date:05/08/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/08/05/stories/2008080557330400.htm

Karnataka - Bangalore

Pending ration cards to be issued soon

Special Correspondent

41.9 lakh applications for fresh cards received
Promises will be kept: Karjol

Bangalore: Minister for Food and Civil Supplies Govind Karjol has said that the BJP Government will fulfil the promises made in its election manifesto.

Replying to a question by A.M. Hindasgeri (Congress) and H.C. Neeravari (Janata Dal-Secular) in the Legislative Council on Monday, Mr. Karjol said that the State Government had received 41.9 lakh applications for ration cards.

This included corrections and change of address, the Minister added.

As of now, there are 60.16 lakh cards under the below poverty line category and 51.28 lakh under the Above Poverty Line (APL) category.

The Government will issue the pending 7.42 lakh cards in below poverty line category and 8.37 lakh cards in APL category, within two months as instructed by Chief Minister B.S. Yeddyurappa, the Minister pointed out.

Although the objective was to supply foodgrains to the poor, even persons who did not belong to the BPL category had been taking advantage of the scheme, the Minister said.

Rice purchase

The State had been purchasing rice and wheat from the Union Government at the rate of Rs. 5.65 a kg and Rs. 4.16 a kg respectively, and selling them to the BPL card-holders at the rate of Rs. 3.

To cover the additional number of below the poverty line families, it had been purchasing rice and wheat from the Centre for Rs. 8.30 and Rs. 6.10 respectively and selling them at Rs. 3, he explained.