Mysuru District Intensifies Ration Card Verification Drive, Cancels Thousands of Ineligible BPL Cards
In a significant move to streamline public distribution systems, the Department of Food and Civil Supplies in Mysuru district has cancelled 4,282 below poverty line (BPL) ration cards as part of an ongoing drive to eliminate ineligible beneficiaries. This action follows strict directives from the state government aimed at ensuring that welfare schemes reach only those who truly qualify.
Two-Year Verification Effort Yields Substantial Results
Over the past two years, the department's rigorous verification process has led to the cancellation of a total of 18,932 BPL cards and 1,147 Anna Yojana ration cards across Mysuru district. The recent cancellation of 4,282 BPL cards represents a focused effort to maintain the integrity of the public distribution system.
Taluk-Wise Breakdown of Cancelled Cards
The district-wide cancellation drive revealed notable variations across different taluks. Mysuru taluk recorded the highest number of cancelled BPL cards at 1,119, followed closely by Nanjangud with 1,030 cancellations. Other taluks showed significant numbers as well:
- T Narasipura: 792 cancelled cards
- Hunsur: 422 cancelled cards
- Periyapatna: 356 cancelled cards
- HD Kote: 159 cancelled cards
- Saligrama: 150 cancelled cards
- Saragur: 144 cancelled cards
- KR Nagar: 110 cancelled cards
Comprehensive Verification Methodology
Officials explained that the verification drive was conducted using multiple official documents to cross-check beneficiary eligibility. PAN and Aadhaar details submitted during loan procurement processes were scrutinized, along with income information from caste and income certificates issued by taluk administrations. Additionally, income tax payment records provided crucial data for identifying discrepancies.
This multi-layered verification approach helped authorities pinpoint beneficiaries who did not meet the established eligibility criteria, ensuring that only genuinely needy families retain access to subsidized ration benefits.
Specific Criteria for Card Cancellation
The department implemented clear parameters for identifying ineligible beneficiaries. BPL cards were cancelled for families with annual incomes exceeding Rs 1.2 lakh, GST taxpayers, government employees, and those who had not purchased ration for six to twelve months. Additionally, cards held by beneficiaries owning agricultural land exceeding 7.5 acres were cancelled in accordance with Union government guidelines.
In a further measure to ensure compliance, the department decided to penalize government pension holders and other beneficiaries who failed to surrender their BPL cards despite receiving repeated reminders from authorities.
Appeal Process for Affected Beneficiaries
Food Inspector Madegowda clarified that eligible beneficiaries whose BPL cards were cancelled in error have recourse to appeal. Affected individuals can submit relevant details and supporting documents within 45 days of cancellation to the offices of the tahsildar, food shiresdar, or food inspector for reconsideration and potential reinstatement of their benefits.
Official Assurance and Future Plans
District Guarantee Implementation Committee chairman Arunkumar emphasized that the cancellations resulted from continuous verification processes aligned with Union government guidelines. He assured that directions have been issued to protect eligible beneficiaries from being wrongfully affected by the drive. Arunkumar added that if any genuinely eligible person's card was cancelled, the department would conduct reverification and reissue the card promptly.
Joint Director of Food and Civil Supplies Manteswamy confirmed that only ineligible ration cards were cancelled through this multi-stage verification process. These cards were subsequently converted into APL (Above Poverty Line) cards where appropriate. Manteswamy further stated that the drive to identify and remove ineligible beneficiaries would continue as part of the department's commitment to fair and efficient distribution of welfare benefits.
