RTI reveals Orissa MLA’s name in BPL beneficiaries’ list
4 Apr, 2013The reply to an application filed under the Right to Information (RTI) Act has revealed that a member of legislative assembly (MLA) of Odisha is listed as a below poverty line (BPL) beneficiary. The Biju Janata Dal MLA Srinath Soren from Udala in Mayurbhanj district has his name listed in the ward-2 BPL list (card number 282925) despite the fact that according to the assets declared by him, he doesn’t fulfill the criteria to be enlisted as a BPL beneficiary. The names of Soren's wife and two daughters are also under the same card number.
However, Udala National Advisory Council executive officer stated that though the MLA’s name features in the list, no BPL card has been has been handed over to him. The Civil supplies officer said that they make cards as per the list sent by the NAC.
The MLA, who also owns a Toyota Fortuner SUV, expressed ignorance about the matter. He said that he had already moved from ward-2 and that his name on the card might be an outcome of a racket being run by corrupt officials and dealers. The BPL list has criticised for being inaccurate and is said to be leading to a large pilferage of funds.