91 Pardhi families in Pune get BPL cards on Diwali

This Diwali proved special for the 91 Pardhi (a nomadic tribe) families residing near the Z bridge in Deccan Gymkhana, as they have received their long awaited ‘below the poverty line’ (BPL) ration cards.

The tireless work put in by the non-governmental organisation (NGO), Santulan, along with the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), made their dreams come true. The cards were distributed to the families at a programme organised by Santulan on Tuesday,

PMC employees’ labour union leaders Mukta Manohar;  deputy municipal commissioner of urban community development, Dnyaneshwar Molak;  food distribution officer of Pune, Dnyaneshwar Jawanjal; and former IMA president, Dr Dilip Sarda were present on the occasion.

According to BM Rege of Santulan, a special government resolution (GR) made it possible for the nomadic families, including Pardhis, to get their ration cards. These people can change the shops allotted to them as they keep on moving.

Jawanjal promised to do his best to ensure proper distribution of food grain to the families all year round. Rege appealed to the families to ensure that their children attend school
regularly.

Dr Sarda informed the families, “This ration card is not just for food grain. You can walk into government hospitals, show the yellow card and get free treatment.”

On the occasion of Diwali, the food grain distribution office distributed some food grain to each family.