Mangaluru: State Minister for Food and Civil Supplies U T Khader said, “Anila Bhagya scheme to provide free gas connection and stove to the BPL families will be launched from May 1. Already 2,50,000 people have applied for the Ujjwala Bhagya. Anila Bhagya Scheme emphasises on those BPL families who are deprived of benefits from Ujjwala Bhagya. Applications will be made available start from May.”

He also said that BPL families in the state are waiting to avail the benefits of Ujjwala Scheme but this has been not started in the state by the union government, despite three letters written to it urging for the same. People can fill the applications in the gram panchayat or designated centres in town, he informed.

Regarding issuing ration card application, minister said that food and civil service department had received 10 lakh applications for ration card. “The process of verification for ration card will start from May 3. Details received through online will be sent to revenue department. Later it will be forwarded to the village accountant and ration card will be sent directly through post. The gram panchayats or town panchayats concerned should receive online applications from the people just by collecting the details of their annual income.

He also warned that no officers should harass the people who approach panchayat to apply for ration card. Such officers will face strict action, he reiterated.

Putting an end to the rumours his brother U T Ifthikar’s is going to join BJP, Khader said, “The respect of our family is more important than the politics. Congress party has given my family a good reputation. My father was a Congressman. We family members will always uphold his dignity. There is no question of any of us joining other parties.”