Public Hardship
Kalaburagi
The distribution of new ration cards has been stalled in Karnataka for the past two years, leaving lakhs of applications pending and creating severe hardship for families across the state, officials confirmed. The government had suspended the process citing the need to revise ineligible Below Poverty Line (BPL) cards, but the delay has affected both BPL and Above Poverty Line (APL) applicants.
According to officials, the last time the government approved the issuance of new ration cards was in September 2023. Since then, applications have remained unprocessed, and people have been unable to validate their requests. This has resulted in widespread distress, especially among those who depend on ration cards to access essential government schemes and subsidies.
During the recent assembly session, Food and Civil Supplies Minister K.H. Muniyappa acknowledged that Karnataka has the highest number of BPL cards in South India, with nearly 1.3 crore cards covering around 4 crore beneficiaries. However, officials stated that the problem arises because many individuals eligible for APL cards hold BPL cards instead. The slow revision process, they said, has worsened the situation, as many applicants are stuck in limbo without access to new cards.
Officials also pointed out that the revision carried out last year led to the cancellation of some cards and the removal of names, leaving affected families unable to obtain new APL cards. They added that issuing APL cards could help clear at least half of the pending applications.
Deputy Director of the Food and Civil Supplies Department, Bhimaraya Masali, said the government has not yet given final approval for fresh card distribution. However, he indicated that clearance is expected from October, and ration cards issued for health-related concerns are currently being processed on priority.