Officials crack down on fake BPL beneficiaries in Hisar
A district administration survey has exposed numerous families in Hisar who continue to avail Below Poverty Line (BPL) benefits despite owning large houses and even expensive pets.
The survey, initiated by a team led by the Additional Deputy Commissioner, aims to identify discrepancies in the BPL list and remove ineligible cardholders. According to official data from the Aadhaar-enabled Public Distribution System of the State Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Department, the BPL population in Hisar district stood at 13,08,274 this month, down from 13,55,505 in November 2024. This marks the removal of 47,231 individuals from the list in just two and a half months.
The reduction follows a change in BPL eligibility criteria, wherein the state government lowered the annual electricity bill limit from Rs 20,000 to Rs 9,000. Simultaneously, the district administration began conducting random surveys to verify the financial status of BPL beneficiaries.
Sources revealed that several families falsely claimed financial hardship while residing in multi-storey homes and keeping high-maintenance pets. Officials discovered cases where individuals owned air conditioners, luxury items and expensive dog breeds, raising concerns over misuse of BPL benefits.
"We have launched the verification process on a random basis. The survey teams compile all details of the houses they visit during the verification process," said Additional Deputy Commissioner C Jayasharadha. However, she refrained from disclosing further details, saying the verification process was still ongoing.
The removal of ineligible beneficiaries has disrupted the distribution of essential commodities, including mustard oil, at several ration depots in December 2024. Officials cited data discrepancies as the primary reason. The administration, however, assured that eligible families would continue receiving their entitled supplies without disruption.
Currently, around 100 to 150 BPL cards are being cancelled daily in Hisar district due to non-fulfilment of eligibility criteria, officials revealed.
