Income tax payers found using BPL cards in Uttarakhand: Ineligible families told to surrender, DM orders probe
In Champawat district of Uttarakhand, families with strong incomes, including income tax payers, were found using BPL ration cards. District Magistrate Manish Kumar has ordered an investigation, directing ineligible families to surrender their cards so that only genuine beneficiaries can avail government schemes.
Dehradun: A major controversy has surfaced in Champawat district after reports revealed that several families living above the poverty line, including those paying income tax, are holding Below Poverty Line (BPL) ration cards. District Magistrate Manish Kumar has taken serious note of the matter and ordered an investigation.
The DM clarified that families with strong incomes, government jobs, or businesses should not be using BPL cards meant for poor households. He directed that all such ineligible families must surrender their ration cards immediately. An official order will be issued soon, and action will be taken against those found misusing the benefits.
Govt schemes information were not reaching them
On Tuesday, village heads from Kathianaula, Siling Tak, Amodi, and other villages submitted a memorandum to the DM at the Collectorate. They complained that information about government schemes was not reaching them properly. They also demanded the construction of protective walls to prevent soil erosion and safeguard agricultural land.
The village heads highlighted that farmers are worried about losing fertile land due to erosion. At the same time, they pointed out that many families in their villages, despite having good incomes, continue to hold BPL cards. Some of these families even include income tax payers, which they said is unfair to genuinely poor households.
Strict steps will be taken against misusers of ration card
The DM assured that strict steps will be taken. He said that only eligible people should benefit from government schemes, and misuse of ration cards will not be tolerated. An investigation will identify ineligible card holders, and their cards will be cancelled.
Regarding complaints about lack of information, the DM said that all details of government schemes and meetings are regularly posted online. He advised villagers to check the Champawat Administration’s official posts and booklets instead of spending time on reels and entertainment videos.
Investigation is expected to bring accountability and restore trust
The issue has raised concerns about transparency and fairness in welfare schemes. BPL cards are meant to provide subsidized food grains and other benefits to poor families. However, misuse by wealthy families reduces the share available to those who truly need support.
Officials believe that cancelling ineligible cards will help ensure that government benefits reach the right people. The investigation is expected to bring accountability and restore trust in welfare programs in Champawat.