Mangaluru : Minister for food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs U T Khader said that after assuming the charge in the new department, making the process of issuing ration card easier is the first preference of him.

Addressing the press personnel on Friday at Circuit house he said that in last one and half year 10 lakh applications in state and 11000 applications in Dakshina Kannada are pending.

“We will look after the applications and will try to issue the ration cards within three months. The process of applying will be made easier,” he said.

He further said that the government is rewarding for informing about the bogus BPL card holders by giving them Rs 400. Informer’s identity will not be revealed. The authority of sorting out the ration card applications will be given to the Grama Panchayath’s as there is a shortage of staff in the department.

“Corrently there is a shortage of 60% staff in the department. We will fill the vacant posts as soon as possible,” he added.
He also said that people suffering from HIV, Leprosy, Kidney problem, Cancer and physically challenged will be given BPL cards.

“As the above mentioned patients have to spend a huge amount of money for their treatment they will be considered as poor. Moreover NGO’s such as orphanages and old age homes will get rice for Rs 3 per kg,” he continued.