Bangalore: Karnataka Government today (July 19,2004) announced that below-poverty-line (BPL) cardholders would be provided 20 kg of rice and five kg of wheat at Rs three per kg per month under the public distribution system.

Stating that he is sure that this would substantially provide sustenance to the poor in the State, Finance Minister Siddaramaiah, presenting the 2004-05 Budget proposals, said the Government is setting apart Rs 300 crore for this programme.

Noting that there had been misuse and diversion of food grains under various programmes meant for poor in recent times, he said immediate steps would be taken to weed out the ineligible cardholders with a view to preventing such rampant misuse and to ensure better targeting and delivery of subsidised grains.

"This process will be completed by August 31", he said. "Insulating the poor and the under-privileged population against hunger and deprivation is the foremost amongst the welfare responsibilities of the State," he declared .