Karnataka makes EPIC number mandatory for ration cards

May 8, 2014

Bangalore, May 8: In a move to weed out bogus ration cards and fake beneficiaries, the Food and Civil Supplies Department has made it mandatory for all ration cards holders in the State to register their Elector's Photo Identity Card (EPIC) number and also that of the adult members of their families with the department.

The department has also sought the Aadhaar card number (Unique Identity number - UID)?of all beneficiaries, but has made furnishing of the same voluntary, following Supreme Court directions that Aadhaar card cannot be made mandatory for accessing public services and subsidies.

Addressing a press conference in Bangalore, Minister of State for Food and Civil Supplies Dinesh Gundu Rao said, initially, 40 lakh ration card holders who got their cards before 2010 and have not renewed the same should furnish the EPIC and UID?numbers before May 30 this year, failing which their cards would be suspended.

As many as 20 lakh new applicants, who are yet to receive their cards, will also have to furnish their EPIC and UID numbers.

Cards will be distributed to them only after they furnish the numbers. Beneficiaries who have got their cards after 2010 will also have to provide EPIC and UID details, but no deadline has been set for them as of now.

While furnishing UID?is not mandatory, applications/cards of beneficiaries who provide the same would be given priority and processed faster, Rao said.

Applicants who provide UID?number will not be asked to provide their biometric details. Henceforth, no introducer will be required while applying for a new ration card.

The EPIC?and UID?numbers need to be furnished via mobile phone .

Food and Civil Supplies Department Commissioner Harsh Gupta said these numbers, once collected, would be electronically validated by comparing with the database of the Election Commission of India and the Unique Identification Authority of India.

The mobile phone, from which the information was sent, would be registered for the particular ration card. Persons sending wrong information willfully would be liable for criminal prosecution.

Ration card holders who do not send the required information would be placed under suspect category and would be taken up for verification through house visits, Gupta said.

The department has also linked all fair price shops to the jurisdictional polling station.

Gupta said biometric weighing machines would be installed in 5,500 fair price shops in Chikmagalur, Tumkur, Dharwad, Mysore,?Belgaum and Gulbarga districts in the next three months.

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Fusion-2K25: Melkar Women’s College Celebrates 17th Annual Day and Graduation Ceremony

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December 17,2025

Melkar, Dec 17: The 17th Annual Day and Graduation Ceremony of Melkar Women’s PU and Degree College, themed “Fusion-2K25,” was celebrated with dignity and enthusiasm, marking a significant milestone in the institution’s academic journey. The programme reflected the college’s steadfast commitment to academic excellence, character building, and the holistic development of students.

The event was inaugurated by Mr. Asif Mohammed, whose presence greatly enriched the occasion. The celebration was further graced by the chief guests Mr. P. B. Ahmed Mudassir and Mr. Nissar Fakeer Mohammed, along with the distinguished guests of honour Mr. B. A. Nazeer and Mr. Ibrahim Gadiyar. In their inspiring addresses, the guests encouraged the graduating students and appreciated the dedicated efforts of the management, faculty, and students.

The annual report was presented by the Principal, Mr. Abdul Majeed S, highlighting the institution’s academic progress, notable achievements, and extracurricular accomplishments during the academic year.

The presidential address was delivered by the esteemed Chairman of Melkar Women’s PU and Degree College, Dr. Haji S. M. Rasheed, who emphasized the vital role of education in empowering women and shaping responsible citizens. He also stressed the importance of discipline, dedication, and perseverance in achieving success.

Cultural programmes and academic recognitions formed an integral part of the celebration, showcasing the talents and achievements of the students. The graduation ceremony was a proud moment for the outgoing students as they were formally conferred degrees and wished success in their future endeavours.

Ms. Mashmooma Fathima served as the Master of Ceremonies. The welcome address was delivered by Ms. Fathima Nida, and the programme concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Ms. Ayisha Suhana.

The event successfully achieved its objectives and was highly appreciated by the guests and attendees.

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Post-Sabarimala pilgrimage drinking party turns fatal in Udupi; youth killed in midnight brawl

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December 15,2025

Udupi, Dec 15: What was meant to be a post-pilgrimage gathering turned tragic in Padukere village of Brahmavar taluk, Udupi district, late Sunday night, when a clash among youths escalated into a fatal assault, leaving one man dead.

The victim has been identified as 30-year-old Santosh Mogaveera, a resident of Padukere.

According to preliminary information, the incident took place during a late-night drinking party involving a group of local youths who had recently returned after completing their pilgrimage to the Sabarimala shrine. An argument reportedly broke out among the group and soon escalated into a violent confrontation.

During the ensuing brawl, Santosh Mogaveera was allegedly assaulted and collapsed at the spot after sustaining serious injuries. He was rushed by local residents to a private hospital in Brahmavar, where doctors declared him dead.

On receiving information, senior police officials, including Brahmavar Circle Inspector Gopikrishna, Kota Police Sub-Inspector Praveen Kumar T, Station ASI Manthesh Jabagoudar, and head constables Pradeep and Ashok, visited the spot and conducted an inspection.

Police have taken four youths into custody in connection with the incident. A case has been registered at the Kota police station, and further investigation is underway to ascertain the exact sequence of events leading to the death.

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