Meghalaya to revise BPL list, issue special cards

Shillong, Aug 25 (PTI) Meghalaya government is in the process of revising its BPL list and issuing special cards to the beneficiaries. "There have been discrepancies in the BPL list with instances of BPL families not finding place in the list.

We are trying to find the loopholes and prepare a fresh list," Chief Minister Mukul Sangma said. Sangma, who was talking to media after reviewing the Centre''s 20-point programme in the state last evening, said the Community and Rural Development department would compile a fresh BPL list by next year.

Identification cards would be issued to BPL people simultaneously, he said. Sangma said Meghalaya ranked 12th in the country in terms of implementation of the Centre''s 20-point programme - which is the best among the Northeastern states.

"More effort is required to climb the ladder. The government cannot be complacent," he said, adding the government was making effort to generate multifold opportunity for the poor.

The 20-point programme, launched in 1985, aims at eradicating poverty, reducing income disparity, socio-economic inequalities and also to provide basic amenities, including housing for the poor and other weaker sections.