J&K govt suspends revenue officials after 2 MLAs included in BPL list

Srinagar, June 9: The Jammu and Kashmir government today suspended several revenue department officials after the names of two MLAs figured in the list of Below Poverty Line (BPL) beneficiaries and ordered an inquiry into the issue.

Revenue Minister Basharat Bukhari informed the Legislative Assembly that the Tehsildar of Khour area and the BPL Committee was suspended after it came to light that local MLA Krishan Bhagat was placed in the list of beneficiaries.

"The Deputy Commissioner concerned has been directed to submit a report in the matter within seven days," Bukhari said. The minister said Bhagat had written a letter to CAPD Minister Zulfikar Ali, informing him of the alleged irregularity committed by the officials.

As the minister was speaking, Independent MLA from Langate Sheikh Abdul Rasheed informed the House that his name had also figured in the list of BPL beneficiaries.

"I have already written to the Deputy Commissioner of Kupwara in this regard and requested that my name be removed from the BPL list," Rasheed said.

Bukhari said the Tehsildar of Langate area will also be suspended. Irregularities have surfaced in the list of ration beneficiaries which is verified by the Revenue department since the implementation of the National Food Security Act in the state earlier this year.

PTI