Over 10,000 BPL Cards Canceled in Koppal, Sparking Protests

In Koppal, the Food and Civil Supplies Department quietly revoked 10,062 Below Poverty Line (BPL) cards without public notice, leaving affected families concerned. The cancellations targeted households exceeding the income cap, government employees, and those not availing ration benefits.

Of the district’s 2,85,622 BPL cardholders, officials identified 1,100 families who hadn’t collected rations for six months, 8,905 families with incomes above ₹1.2 lakh, and 57 families with government employees. These findings prompted action to streamline eligibility, which affects access to benefits like Ayushman Bharat, scholarships, and MGNREGA.

Dr. Basavaraj Kyavatar of the BJP criticized the cancellations, citing inconsistencies in income thresholds. He contrasted the ₹1.2 lakh limit for BPL cards with the ₹8 lakh ceiling for certain government schemes and tax exemptions up to ₹3 lakh under the new regime.

The department, which manages 445 fair price shops and distributes 60,000 MT of foodgrains annually, traced discrepancies using linked PAN cards and income tax filings. Officials avoided comment amid potential BJP-led protests.

Cardholders face challenges seeking clarification, with no response from the acting deputy director or department staff. The BJP has threatened protests, urging transparency and a re-evaluation of income thresholds.

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