Bengaluru: Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has assured that the state government will re-issue Below Poverty Line (BPL) cards to eligible families whose cards were mistakenly canceled. Addressing the issue during a press briefing with ANI on Wednesday, Shivakumar stated that the government is committed to ensuring no deserving family is left out of the benefits.
Government to Rectify Mistakes in BPL Card Cancellations
Highlighting discrepancies in the cancellation process, Shivakumar noted, “The Centre has set certain criteria for identifying BPL families, and our government is working accordingly. If some eligible families lost their BPL cards due to errors, we will ensure new cards are issued to them. A thorough review is underway to identify and remove ineligible beneficiaries.”
The Deputy CM also emphasized the importance of corrective measures, especially regarding the lack of physical verification during the cancellation process. “When new cards are issued, physical verification is mandatory. The same protocol should have been followed for cancellations. We will implement these measures to rectify errors,” he added.
Role of MLAs and Guarantee Committees in the Review Process
To streamline the review process, Shivakumar explained that the Chief Minister has directed all concerned officials to address the issue promptly. “The list of canceled BPL cards will be sent to each MLA, who will assess the ground realities. Guarantee implementation committees will visit households to ensure that genuine beneficiaries are not excluded,” he said.
Chief Minister’s Delhi Visit: A Developmental Agenda, Not Politics
Addressing questions about Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s visit to Delhi, Shivakumar clarified that it is focused on the launch of Nandini milk in the national capital, dismissing any political undertones. “The expansion of the Nandini brand to Delhi is a significant step that will benefit farmers across Karnataka. I was supposed to join him but will instead attend Fishermen’s Day celebrations in Murdeshwar. This is purely a developmental visit,” he explained.
The Chief Minister’s initiative to promote Nandini milk in Delhi aligns with the government’s broader agenda to support Karnataka’s farmers and enhance the state’s agricultural brand.
Way Forward
With the promise of re-issuing BPL cards and ensuring a transparent review process, the Karnataka government aims to address public concerns over the mishandling of welfare schemes. By involving MLAs and ground-level committees, the administration seeks to restore trust and deliver on its commitment to equitable governance.
