Only ineligible BPL cards cancelled: Dinesh Gundu Rao

Mangaluru: State Health Minister and Dakshina Kannada District In-charge Dinesh Gundu Rao questioned the criticism over the cancellation of ineligible BPL cards, asking why there was no opposition when the central government canceled 5.8 crore BPL cards.

Speaking to the media, he emphasized that those paying taxes or government employees with BPL cards are ineligible, and their cards must be canceled. Rao highlighted that while some areas in the state have 80-90% BPL cards, this level of distribution is not feasible based on eligibility criteria.

Rao also acknowledged that 5-10% of cancellations may affect eligible beneficiaries due to technical reasons. However, the Chief Minister has directed officials to ensure that no eligible person is denied benefits, he added.

The minister clarified that the Gruha Lakshmi scheme is unrelated to ration cards. Taxpayers are not entitled to Gruha Lakshmi benefits, but APL cardholders can avail of the scheme.

Criticism of NABARD and Central Government

Rao criticized the Centre for cutting Rs. 2,500 crore in funding to the state through NABARD and questioned Union Minister Pralhad Joshi’s silence on this issue.

Naxal Encounter Justified

Rao reiterated that tackling Naxal activity is crucial and praised efforts to reintegrate Naxals into mainstream society. He termed the recent Karkala encounter an unavoidable action, not a premeditated one, and emphasized the need for long-term solutions to address Naxal issues.