In a significant move, the Karnataka government has removed 3.5 lakh ‘ineligible’ beneficiaries from its Below Poverty Line (BPL) list, reclassifying them as Above Poverty Line (APL) cardholders. This move, aimed at streamlining the Public Distribution System (PDS), is expected to impact thousands of families who were previously receiving benefits under the BPL category. Food and Civil Supplies Minister KH Muniyappa said during the Legislative Council session on December 9, stressing that no eligible BPL cardholders would lose their benefits in the process.
Responding to a query from JD(S) MLA KA Tippeswamy, Minister Muniyappa assured the Council that all efforts had been made to ensure no eligible beneficiaries were removed. He acknowledged the possibility of errors and encouraged individuals who believe they were wrongly excluded to reapply for their cards to restore their eligibility.
During the session, Muniyappa addressed concerns raised by legislators Ivan D’Souza (Congress), TN Javarayi Gowda, and TA Sharavana (JD(S)), along with CT Ravi and Hanumanth Nirani (BJP). The Minister revealed that nearly 20% of BPL cards in the state were found to be ineligible based on criteria. “These include government employees and taxpayers who do not qualify for BPL status,” he explained.
Muniyappa also highlighted the limited reach of subsidised rations among APL cardholders, noting that only around 1 lakh of the over 25 lakh APL cardholders currently benefit from such schemes.
This follows an August 2024 survey conducted by the government, which identified 22.63 lakh BPL cardholders as ineligible. Initially, the government considered canceling these cards entirely but opted for reclassification to APL status to avoid abruptly cutting off access to benefits. Muniyappa emphasised the need for accurate data to ensure the PDS operates effectively, pointing out that Karnataka, as India’s second-largest tax revenue-generating state after Maharashtra, cannot sustain a scenario where 75-80% of its population hold BPL cards.
The Minister clarified the eligibility criteria for BPL cards, noting that individuals employed in government jobs, taxpayers, or families with an annual income exceeding Rs 1.2 lakh do not qualify.
The Minister defended the move saying that instead of canceling the cards of the ‘ineligible’ outrightly, they were reclassifying them as the Above Poverty Line group. As per the government’s criteria, individuals ineligible for BPL cards include those employed in government jobs, taxpayers, or families with an annual income exceeding Rs1.2 lakh.
The BJP had earlier protested the government’s decision accusing them of neglecting the poor and causing undue hardship to struggling families.