Mangaluru: Food and Civil Supplies Minister U.T. Khader on Tuesday said that the BPL cardholders will be able to choose between sunflower oil and coconut oil, if they don't want to opt for palm oil. 

 At present, a subsidy of Rs 35 is given by the government for purchase of palm oil and the same amount will be given for sunflower and coconut oil. The price of sunflower oil per litre is around Rs 73 and that of coconut oil is Rs 99.

"The biometric-based coupon distribution system is being introduced in the district headquarters at present and, starting September, the system will be extended to urban local bodies. From October, the franchises for coupon distribution will be opened at taluk headquarters and extended to hobli and rural centres as well," he said.

Unlike the present system where a particular card is tagged to a particular shop, the coupon system would facilitate freedom of choice to card holders.mThe Minister said efforts are on to eliminate physical coupons with electronic coupons.

This becomes possible when the card holder links his or her mobile number with the Aadhaar number. Starting October, the cardholders will be enabled to claim their share of food grains by dialling toll-free number 161 and entering their Aadhaar numbers.

He, meanwhile, clarified that the coupon system will prevent the misuse of food grains as the Aadhaar number is being linked to the ration cards.