Bengaluru: Amid rising financial strain due to the state's five guarantee schemes, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Monday instructed officials to cancel all ineligible Below Poverty Line (BPL) cards.

In a meeting with deputy commissioners and district CEOs, Siddaramaiah highlighted that 80% of the state's population held BPL cards, a stark contrast to Tamil Nadu's 40%. He urged officials to align the number of BPL cards with NITI Aayog’s recommendations, suggesting a lower percentage of BPL families in Karnataka.

The importance of BPL cards is underscored by their role in accessing the benefits of the government’s five guarantee schemes. A June 2023 note from the Finance Department to the Food and Civil Supplies Department pointed out the widespread issue of ineligible individuals possessing BPL cards. According to the Finance Department, Karnataka had 1.13 crore BPL cards, covering 85.23% of households. In comparison, BPL card holders constituted 62.11% in Gujarat, 64.36% in Maharashtra, and 65.59% in Telangana.

Siddaramaiah also reviewed the progress of Indira Canteens, the state-run subsidized eateries. The government has sanctioned the construction of 70 new Indira Canteens in Bengaluru, with similar projects in other parts of the state expected to commence shortly.

Additionally, the meeting addressed the delay in property tax collection. Last fiscal year, Rs 224 crore in property tax was due. As of June this year, the government has collected Rs 806 crore, with Rs 1,053 crore still pending. The Chief Minister’s Office has directed all deputy commissioners to intensify efforts to collect these dues through a focused campaign.