Udupi: BPL cardholders face delays in PDS cash disbursement

Udupi: Despite the state government’s initiative to provide cash instead of rice to BPL cardholders under the Public Distribution System (PDS), there has been no disbursement of funds to their accounts since March.

Additionally, rice distribution has also been halted. The public is expressing anger over officials’ inaction, even after the election Model Code of Conduct has ended.

The cash disbursement process was functioning smoothly until March, with delayed payments being compensated in the following month. However, no funds have been received for April, May, or June. Cardholders have reported that they are not receiving clear answers from officials and fair price shops.

The delay of two months has been blamed on the election code of conduct. “The April funds will be transferred to beneficiaries’ accounts within the next two to three days. The state government has allocated the necessary funds for April to the treasury. However, there is a possibility of further delays for the funds of May and June,” said an official from the Department of Food and Consumer Affairs.

Meanwhile, the state government is considering distributing rice instead of cash. However, this requires approval from the Food Corporation of India. If approval is not granted, the state government will have to purchase the rice at a higher cost from the open market. With the new central government coming to power, there is a possibility of renewed efforts from the state to secure the necessary approvals.