SHIMLA-30^th December, 2024-Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said that the exercise for revision of the list of BPL families will commence in the State in the month of April, 2025. He was presiding over a review meeting of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj department here today. He directed the officers that it should be ensured that only genuine families appear in the BPL list and to formulate a new criteria in this regard. He instructed the department to formulate this criterion before 5th January, 2025 followed by the approval of the Cabinet. The new guidelines will be shared with the general public in the Gram Sabha scheduled in January 2025.

Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu directed to constitute a two members Committee at the Sub Divisional level comprising the SDM and BDO to verify the lists of BPL families recommended by the Gram Sabha to ensure transparency. He emphasized on a robust mechanism to identify the deserving BPL families so that they are not deprived of the benefits being extended to such families. He also said that the State Government is considering revision of the annual income for selecting BPL families.

The Chief Minister said that any objections against the final BPL families lists can be submitted to the respective Deputy Commissioner and Divisional Commissioner, who will have the authority to review and address these grievances. He said that a comprehensive website would also be launched for showcasing and home delivery of various products prepared by Women Self Help Groups thereby strengthening the economy of the womenfolk.

Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Minister Anirudh Singh, Secretary Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Rajesh Sharma, Director Raghav Sharma and other senior officers were also present in the meeting.