Archive · 4 Oct 2026
Minister Seeks BPL Eligibility for Families Earning Up to ₹2.5 Lakh
K.M. Shivalingegowda wants the government to change who can keep a BPL ration card.
He says families earning up to ₹2.5 lakh a year should remain eligible.
He described a rule where a person earning ₹1.20 lakh could be removed from the BPL category.
But he said other eligible people in that person’s family should keep receiving help.
He believes one person’s earnings should not make a whole family lose benefits.
He said he would press the government to consider this proposal.
He also defended welfare guarantee schemes for poor people.
He said similar schemes are used in states governed by Opposition parties.
K.M. Shivalingegowda said he would urge the government to revise income criteria for Below Poverty Line ration cards.
He proposed retaining families with annual incomes up to ₹2.5 lakh in the BPL category.
Under the existing decision he described, a member earning ₹1.20 lakh would be excluded, while eligible family members would keep their benefits.
Shivalingegowda said an entire family should not lose benefits because one member earns an income.
He defended welfare guarantee schemes and said similar schemes were being implemented in states ruled by Opposition parties.
- Who
- Excise Minister and Hassan district in-charge minister K.M. Shivalingegowda.
- What
- He said he would urge the government to retain eligible families earning up to ₹2.5 lakh annually in the BPL category.
- When
- Friday; no date is specified.
- Where
- At a felicitation event at Venkateshwara Kala Bhavan in Arasikere.
- Why
- He said a family should not lose BPL benefits solely because one member earns an income.
Support for guarantee schemes
Criticism of guarantee schemes
Effect of welfare guarantee schemes
Support for guarantee schemes
Shivalingegowda said welfare guarantee schemes for poor people should be welcomed and defended their continuation.
Criticism of guarantee schemes
He referred to Opposition allegations that the schemes were ruining the country.
Who should retain BPL benefits
Support for guarantee schemes
Shivalingegowda argued that eligible family members should remain covered even if one member earns income, and proposed an annual family threshold of ₹2.5 lakh.
Criticism of guarantee schemes
The article does not provide a specific opposing position on his proposed eligibility change.
- Proposed annual family income limit
- Up to ₹2.5 lakh
- Individual income figure cited
- ₹1.20 lakh
- Current approach described
- The earning individual would be excluded, while eligible family members would continue receiving BPL benefits.
- Minister
- K.M. Shivalingegowda
- Event venue
- Venkateshwara Kala Bhavan, Arasikere
- Event organizer
- Government Fair Price Shop Owners’ Association