Udupi: No rice, no cash for BPL families under Anna Bhagya scheme!

Team Udayavani, Dec 10, 2024, 10:53 AM IST

Udupi: BPL cardholders in Udupi are struggling without rice or cash from the state government for the past three months. New BPL cards are not being issued, and even applications for APL cards are on hold.

The Numbers at a Glance

• Udupi district: 1.96 lakh BPL and Antyodaya cards, of which 1.80 lakh are eligible for the Anna Bhagya scheme.
• Dakshina Kannada district: 4.84 lakh cards, with 4.50 lakh+ eligible under the scheme.

The last cash benefit under the Anna Bhagya scheme (for July’s allotment) was transferred in August 2024. Since then, there have been no rice supplies or cash transfers for September, October, or November.

No Disruption in Central Supplies

The central government continues to provide free rice to BPL and Antyodaya families every month without any interruption.

Eligibility Norms Changed

Previously, BPL cards of families who did not collect rice for six months were canceled. Now, those who fail to collect rice for three consecutive months will no longer receive Direct Benefit Transfers (DBT) either.

Technical issues with the system are also impacting payments, leaving many cardholders in a lurch. BPL cardholders are urging the state government to provide rice consistently.

Card Verification Temporarily Halted

The process to identify ineligible BPL cardholders has been paused. However, BPL cards held by taxpayers and government employees are being scrutinized and canceled if deemed ineligible, according to an official from the Food Department.

Challenges in Obtaining Cards

In both Udupi and Dakshina Kannada districts, thousands of applications for new ration cards have been submitted since 2021. However, only applications citing urgent medical reasons are being processed.

Even approved applications are yet to receive their cards. Also, new applications cannot be submitted due to system constraints. Ineligible BPL cards are being converted to APL cards, but individuals separated from families are unable to get new APL cards.

This has led to significant difficulties for many families.

“Currently, only BPL cards held by taxpayers and government employees are being reviewed as per government directives. No other verifications are ongoing,” clarified Ravindra, Deputy Director of the Food Department, Udupi.