Somanna guns for bogus BPL cards

Speaking to reporters on Monday, he said the department officials are conducting a thorough verification of these cards in every district. About 20,000 bogus cards have been identified in Bellary district alone.

Stringent action will be taken against those who have obtained bogus BPL cards, he added.

There are about 1.06 crore BPL cards in the State - over 70 lakh more than the Union Planning Commission’s estimate. The cardholders are being supplied with foodgrains and kerosene every month at highly subsidised rates.

However, Somanna refused to reply whether the department will file criminal cases against the those possessing bogus BPL cards. Somanna said he has directed the officials to computerise the entire process of movement of foodgrains - from the Food Corporation of India godowns to fair price shops -- to check diversion and misuse.

On complaints that the Department of Food and Civil Supplies was supplying substandard rice and wheat to APL families, the minister promised to ensure that the cardholders are provided with good quality rice.