Bengaluru: Karnataka’s Operation BPL Card has uncovered large-scale misuse of welfare entitlements, with nearly 13 lakh ineligible BPL cards identified across the state.
Addressing the media in Udupi, Food and Civil Supplies Minister K.H. Muniyappa directly questioned those misusing the Below Poverty Line (BPL) status despite being financially well-off.
“If you have built your own house, own a car, or pay business taxes, do you really deserve a BPL card? Such families are not poor and should not remain under BPL. They must voluntarily shift to APL, otherwise they block benefits meant for genuinely needy families,” Muniyappa asserted.
Central and State Data Conflict
While the Centre flagged 7.7 lakh ineligible BPL cards in Karnataka, the state’s internal review placed the figure closer to 13 lakh. Muniappa said that by October first week, a final picture of ineligible cardholders will be made public.
Overuse of BPL Cards in Karnataka
Currently, 1.28 crore BPL cards cover 4.5 crore people, meaning nearly 75% of the state’s population is marked as below poverty line. Officials admit this is unsustainable and unfair to poor families waiting for access.
Muniyappa stressed, “When people are capable of investing ₹5 lakh to build a house or buying vehicles, they are financially sound. Tax-paying businessmen cannot be classified as poor. Such cardholders must act responsibly and exit the system.”
Ensuring Benefits Reach the Poor
The minister reiterated that Operation BPL Card is not about cutting support, but about removing misuse and redirecting welfare schemes to truly deserving families.
“For over two years, genuine poor families have been waiting for their rightful entitlements. If ineligible cardholders give up voluntarily, we can extend support to those who need it most,” he added.
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