Fake BPL card holders still on the list

Ravinder Sood

Palampur, November 7

Despite orders of the state government, most panchayats in Kangra district have so far failed to the delete the names of bogus BPL/IRDP and Antyodaya beneficiaries from panchayat records and these families are still availing all benefits.

The state government had received a number of complaints with evidences regarding large-scale irregularities in the selection of families under the BPL, IRDP and Antyodaya categories. This has deprived hundreds of needy from availing the benefits.

The Tribune had highlighted the issue in these columns two months ago. Thereafter, the state government swung into action and directed the authorities to initiate action against fake BPL card holders and complete the re-identification process.

To date, over 200 people have voluntarily surrendered their BPL cards and also deposited money in the state exchequer on account of illegal benefits availed by them. However, the administration is yet to act in a majority of such cases.

A senior officer gave an excuse that because of Covid-19, Gram Sabha could not hold its meetings, therefore the panchayats failed to delete the bogus names.

However, panchayats have been executing all official works, meetings are being held regularly and all members or secretaries are participating in these. However, no steps have been initiated to re-identify fake BPL card holders, who have caused loss to the state exchequer.

“As per new guidelines of the Jai Ram government, a person having two hectares of non-irrigated and one hectare of irrigated land, a two-wheeler/four-wheeler and an annual income above Rs 30,000, cannot be included in the BPL and IRDP categories,” said a block development officer.

As per a baseline survey conducted by the government in various panchayats to re-indentify and re-verify the fake card holders in 2018, it was revealed that 30-40 per cent undeserving families had managed their entry into the lists because of their clout.

Apathy to blame

A senior officer of the state government gave an excuse that because of Covid-19, there had been no Gram Sabha meetings, therefore the panchayats failed to delete the bogus names. However, the panchayats have been executing all official work, panchayat meetings are being held regularly, all members or secretaries have been participating in the meetings.