Bengaluru: Setting its eye on the forthcoming Assembly polls, the State Government has decided issue 16 lakh BPL ration cards in a hurry.

Addressing a press conference here yesterday, Food & Civil Supplies Minister U.T. Khader said that those who need the ration card during a medical emergency or under the bidaai (marriage) scheme, will get it on the spot by just submitting their income and caste certificates.

The on the spot system will be put in place from January next year, by which time the Department hopes to issue Below Poverty Line (BPL) cards to all those who have applied, the Minister said.

Pointing out that the Department has received 16 lakh applications and 10 lakh cards have been issued, he said that all the applications will he processed by Dec.15.

Continuing, the Minister said that the State. Government aims to provide 10 lakh free gas connections to BPL families under the Anila Bhagya Scheme in the next six months.

Pointing out that the scheme envisages providing a gas cylinder, stove, lighter and two refills, for which the Government will spend Rs. 4,040 per family, he said that the scheme will be rolled out in three phases.

There are 31 lakh families in the State who are devoid of LPG connections, he added.