Despite government claims, fake ration card racket flourishes in Karnataka

Contrary to government claims that it has been able to clamp down on fake ration card racket in Karnataka, an investigation has found that most recently at least 10,000 bogus card holders were reaping the benefits of Anna Bhagya scheme.

Earlier last year, Food and Civil Supplies Minister Dinesh Gundurao had promised that his government will clamp down on the illegal ration card racket. However, now it is being alleged that Gundurao is protecting those involved in the fake ration card racket.

According to a report, fake ration card was found in Davanagere, Kolar and Mulbagal districts. The fake ration card racket is active in Tumkur, Belgaum and Hubli too. In Mulbagal, investigations found that the fake ration card holders were buying supplies at cheaper rates and were then selling back into the market.

The Anna Bhagya scheme was introduced by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah in May 2015 to provide rice free of cost for people from below poverty line.

The government had harped on the fact that the scheme will benefit 1.70 crore families in the state as all the members of BPL families are entitled to receive five kgs of rice, edible oil, and iodized salt.

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