JOIN USNewly appointed Deputy Chairman of the State Planning Board C M Ibrahim on Monday said that he will recommend to the State government to extend the scheme of providing subsidised rations for below poverty line (BPL) families to above poverty line (APL) card holders as well.
Speaking to reporters after taking charge in Bangalore, Ibrahim said he would take up the proposal with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah soon. “APL families have their share of problems and difficulties. They too should be provided with rice and other groceries at subsidised rate. In addition, cooking oil, salt can also be provided... The price can be a little higher than what BPL card holders pay for the rations,” Ibrahim said. He said the quantity of food grains to be provided to APL card holders will be finalised after discussion with the chief minister. At present, BPL card holders are getting rice at Re one per kg under the State government’s flagship Anna Bhagya scheme.
Review of departments
Ibrahim said the process of appointing members to the State Planning Board would be completed within a month. He said he would recommend to the government to allow members of the board for reviewing the performance of various departments at the official or ministerial level.“The practice is being followed by the Planning Commission of India. It helps in fixing responsibility and accountability on programme implementation among departments,” he said. Ibrahim said an action plan would be chalked out to monitor the implementation of programmes and schemes of the government at the district, taluk and village levels.