Shimla, 30 December (H.S.): The process of amendment in the list of BPL families will start in Himachal Pradesh in April 2025. It will be ensured that only eligible families are included in the BPL list and new criteria will be prepared in this regard.

Chief Minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu gave this information while presiding over the review meeting of the Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Department on Monday.

He directed the officials to ensure that the criteria are prepared before January 5, 2025 and after this approval will be taken from the Cabinet in this regard. The new guidelines will be shared with the general public in the Gram Sabha to be held in January 2025.

Sukhu directed to constitute a two-member committee of Sub-Divisional Magistrate and Block Development Officer at the sub-division level to verify the lists of BPL families recommended by the Gram Sabha so that transparency is ensured in the entire process. He stressed on creating a strong mechanism to identify eligible BPL families so that these families do not have to be deprived of the benefits. He said that the state government is considering revising the annual income for selection of BPL families.

The Chief Minister said that any objection related to the final list of BPL families can be submitted to the concerned Deputy Commissioner and Divisional Commissioner, who will have the authority to review and resolve these complaints. He said that a website will also be launched for display and home delivery of various products of women self-help groups to strengthen the economy of women.

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar