No BPL ration cards for poor families in Kokernag village
Anantnag: Dozens of people families in Gawran area of Kokernag belt in South Kashmir’s Anantnag have been holding APL ration cards despite being residents of a backward area and living in miserable conditions.
Families have alleged that many people in the area who are living above the poverty line but have been categorized in BPL list by some officials few years back on the basis of nepotism and favouritism.
The locals said that despite they living below poverty line but they have been categorized as APL and have been issued those ration cards only.
“This unfair decision is depriving us of everything,” said Nazir Ahmad, a local resident.
He said that some residents who are well off given the standards in our area have managed fake BPL cards and are availing all the facilities including free rations from government.
“Despite being poor and having to feed large families, we haven’t got any thing free from government as we were kept in APL category,” he said.
“We have approached the concerned authorities several times but to no avail despite,” added Nazir.
Bashir Ahmad Batana, another head of an affected family who is also keeping unwell for some time now said that all his money goes into buying medicines and other necessary items.
“How can I effort to buy food (ration) using the APL ration card. I need money for my medicines also. It is very unfortunate and difficult for me to feed my family,” he rued.
The locals have requested the concerned authorities to look into the issue at an earliest.
Meanwhile, SDM Kokernag, Owais Mushtaq said that ration cards were issued on basis of survey in year 2015-16 by Food and Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Department.
He admitted that many poor families have been categorised as APL as there are clear cut directions from authorities to keep 65 percent families in priority list and rest in non priority and may be in these area those 65 percent who have been kept in BPL category are poor than these families.
He said that if these families deserve they will be included in next survey.
Jahangeer Ganaie
