Mangaluru: The State government is mulling issuing Below Poverty Line ration cards to endosulfan victims, HIV-infected persons, cancer victims and those suffering renal failures, Food and Civil Supplies Minister U.T. Khader has said.

In his maiden press conference on Friday in the city after taking over the new department, he said endosulfan victims, HIV-infected persons and those suffering from terminal illnesses need to be provided quality food at subsidised rates. Some among these persons were already receiving subsidised food. “I want to bring all of them under BPL category.”

A survey was on now to find the number of such persons who are in need of foodgrains at a subsidised rate. “After getting the details we will take a decision.” Central assistance would be sought, if needed, for its implementation.

Mr. Khader said his first priority was to process 10 lakh applications for ration cards pending for nearly two years and issue them BPL/APL ration cards. Officials have been asked to complete the process with a period of three months. As many as 11,000 applications have to be processed in Dakshina Kannada.

Mr. Khader said an award of Rs.400 with be given to those who give information of persons who are illegally possessing BPL cards. A website was being created for online filing of applications seeking Above Poverty Line ration cards. He said people can call 1967 to lodge complaints about sub-standard grains and other grievances related to ration shops.