Aadhaar for PDS: HC orders notice to government
Bengaluru: Nov 25, 2016, DHNS
The Karnataka High Court on Thursday ordered issuance of notice to the state government in a public interest litigation (PIL) challenging the Aadhaar-based biometric coupon system for below poverty line (BPL) card holders.
The petitioners, Rajeshwari and nine others from Bedarakeri village and other parts of Shivamogga district, contended that the system is causing inconvenience to certain category of BPL card holders.
A division bench of Chief Justice Subhro Kamal Mukherjee and Justice R B Budihal issued notices to the Secretary Department of Food and Civil Supplies, Deputy Commissioner of Shivamogga district and Deputy Director of Food and Civil Supplies. The matter was adjourned to two weeks.
The petitioners claimed that the centres authorised by the department have been collecting Rs 30 per person for biometric coupons, whereas they are supposed to provide it free of cost. Besides, fair price shops and centres which distribute foodgrain and kerosene, have been providing them on unit basis. This means, foodgrains and kerosene are allotted per person according to the entry in the BPL card.
The petitioners claimed that this rule has resulted in a lot of hardship and agony for certain BPL card holders. The petitioners have sought for quashing of the July 21, 2016 order of the state government making Aadhaar-based biometric coupon system mandatory for BPL card holders.
DH News Service