Bangalore: Karnataka government has uncovered
more than 18 lakh bogus ration cards in urban areas and 32.32
lakh illegal domestic LPG connections in the state, according
to Food and Civil Supplies Minister Shobha Karandlaje.
These were detected during a recent exercise conducted by
the department in urban areas, she told reporters here on Monday.
The government had been incurring an expenditure of Rs 850
crore per year for providing foodgrains at subsidised rates to
BPL and APL cardholders. To prevent misuse of subsidy meant
for the poor, the department decided to detect bogus cards.
She said 32.32 lakh illegal domestic LPG gas connections
were also detected. After a thorough inquiry, LPG distributors
and oil companies had been asked to suspend supplies of LPG
cylinders to consumers holding illegal connections.
Names of all consumers of illegal gas connections would
be displayed at offices of LPG dealers.
The government would issue ration cards for above poverty
and below poverty line families -- suspended for the last six
months -- after the coming Dasara festival, she said, adding,
the department has received 10 lakh applications seeking APL
and BPL ration cards. Arrangement would also be made to submit
online applications, Karandlaje said.
PTI
First Published: Monday, September 26, 2011, 18:27