CM directs cancellation of ineligible BPL Cards, stresses hassle-free benefits for eligible families
Bengaluru: Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has instructed officials to take strict measures to cancel ineligible Below Poverty Line (BPL) ration cards, ensuring that eligible families do not face any difficulties in accessing government benefits.
Speaking at a review meeting of the Department of Food, Civil Supplies, and Consumer Affairs held at his official residence ‘Krishna’, the Chief Minister said that no deserving beneficiary should be left out. “If anyone eligible for a BPL card has been missed, immediate steps must be taken to issue them a card,” he directed.
He informed that action has already been taken to cancel and reclassify 3,65,614 ration cards that were found to be ineligible.
The Chief Minister further instructed officials to submit a proposal for providing kits under the Anna Bhagya scheme, which would include rice along with nutritious grains and other essential items. He also directed that priority be given to Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe communities while allotting new fair price shops.
To improve transparency, Siddaramaiah ordered that GPS trackers be installed on vehicles transporting food grains, and CCTV cameras be fixed in all warehouses across the state. He also emphasised the need to fill vacant posts in the Food and Civil Supplies Corporation without delay.
Highlighting new initiatives, Siddaramaiah said that for the first time, 0.29 lakh metric tonnes of minor millets have been procured. He added that under the Minimum Support Price (MSP) scheme, procurement of food grains should be carried out in collaboration with Primary Agricultural Credit Cooperative Societies (PACS) and Self-Help Groups (SHGs).
Food Minister K.H. Muniyappa and senior officials of the department were present at the meeting.
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Rahul Gandhi to go on two-day Raebareli visit from May 19
Raebareli (UP) (PTI): Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha and Congress MP from Raebareli Rahul Gandhi will arrive here on May 19 on a two-day visit, a Congress office-bearer said on Monday.
Congress district president of Raebareli Pankaj Tiwari said that on the first day, Gandhi will inaugurate a marriage hall at Thakurain Kheda in Bachhrawan. Subsequently, he will address a public meeting in Khiron. In Lalganj, he will participate in a 'mahila samvaad' programme.
He further said that on May 20, he will meet the public during a 'Janata Darshan' programme at the Bhuyemau Guest House. Following this, he will participate in the unveiling of a statue of Veera Pasi and attend a public meeting in Lodhwari.
He will then depart for Amethi.
In Amethi, Gandhi will hold meetings with party functionaries, workers and senior leaders at the party's district headquarters, Congress district unit chief Pradeep Singhal said on Sunday.
According to political observers, this meeting would form a part of the strategic preparations for the 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections, alongside an organisational review.
Discussions during the meeting are likely to focus on strengthening the party organisation down to the booth level, increasing participation of youth and women workers, and accelerating public outreach campaigns across villages.
According to sources, a large number of party workers -- from Gram Sabha to the district level -- have been invited to attend the meeting.
Gandhi is expected to interact directly with workers.
During the one-day visit, the Congress leader will also travel to Poore Ramdeen Pandit -- the native village of late Congress district president Yogendra Mishra -- to meet his family members.
Mishra, considered a close associate of the Gandhi family, passed away on March 1 following a prolonged illness.
Political activities in the district have intensified ahead of Gandhi's visit, and party workers have already started making arrangements for his reception.
Kishori Lal Sharma, the Congress MP from Amethi, is also holding regular meetings with local leaders and functionaries to review the preparations.
