Kalaburagi: Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Wednesday directed officials to crack down on ineligible Below Poverty Line (BPL) ration card holders, while ensuring that genuine beneficiaries are not adversely affected.

Addressing reporters in Kalaburagi on September 17, the Chief Minister said that the government is committed to protecting the interests of eligible families while cleaning up irregularities in the system.

“Eligible people should not be removed. Ineligible should be removed. In case eligible people are left out, they should be added,” Siddaramaiah stated.

Over 3.65 lakh cards already removed

The Chief Minister’s Office recently disclosed that after a review meeting with the Food and Civil Supplies Department, 3,65,614 ineligible BPL ration card holders had already been either removed or reclassified. The move is part of a wider exercise to ensure that welfare benefits reach the right beneficiaries.

Officials said that the process is ongoing and will continue in phases, with strict adherence to eligibility guidelines.

Karnataka holds highest number of BPL cards

Speaking in Bengaluru, Food and Civil Supplies Minister K H Muniyappa highlighted the scale of the issue. He said Karnataka has the highest proportion of BPL cards in the country, accounting for nearly 70–75 per cent of the state’s population.

“This revision is inevitable. While revising, those ineligible will be moved to the APL (Above Poverty Line) category, but their cards will not be cancelled. If any genuine BPL holder is mistakenly shifted to APL, they can submit an application, and within 24 hours, their card will be reinstated under BPL,” Muniyappa assured.

Central government guidelines

The minister further explained that the revision follows guidelines issued by the central government, which directed the removal of 7 lakh ineligible BPL cards across Karnataka.

“Our officials have already met regarding this matter, and I will hold further discussions with them. Next month, we will reopen applications for fresh BPL cards, and eligible families will be issued cards,” Muniyappa added.

Conclusion

The ongoing revision of BPL cards in Karnataka is being positioned as a step to strengthen the welfare delivery system. While the removal of ineligible beneficiaries is aimed at plugging misuse, the government has pledged to safeguard genuine beneficiaries, ensuring that no deserving household is left out of the state’s food security net.