Bengaluru: In a much simplified process, the state government will issue ration cards on the spot to BPL card applicants against submission of their income certificates. The new system will be inaugurated on February 20.
“A first of its kind in the country, the project is being implemented in the state to simplify and speed up the process of distribution of BPL cards. Food inspectors will issue BPL cards on the spot for those beneficiaries with an annual income of less than Rs.1.20 lakh on provision of their income certificate. There is no need for any other documents,” informed U T Khader, Minister for Food and Civil Supplies .
A scrutiny will be conducted after the issuance of the card, and if the beneficiary is found to be ineligible, a criminal case will be registered against them, Khader warned.
The minister said that to speed up the BPL card distribution process, the food inspectors will be provided with laptop and a colour printer. They can also appoint one data entry operator on contract basis.
For the new ration cards, 15 lakh people have submitted applications in two phases and 13.50 lakh cards have been sent through the post. Other cards have been returned as address did not match with the Aadhar address. Those cards will be distributed with the help of Gram Panchayats. In the third phase, 8 lakh applications have been received, and for those having an income of less than Rs.1.20 lakh per annum, the cards will be distributed on the spot from February 20, Khader added.
