Kochi: The reforms introduced by Kerala government in the Public Distribution System (PDS) has hit many poor hard.

The inefficiency and callousness of the staff handling the issue of ration cards has deprived the poor from their rightful share in getting food subsidy.

While those having huge income have managed to cling on to the BPL category to shamelessly claim the food subsidy aimed at the poor, those who are struggling to meet their ends have been tagged into the APL category.

One such case is that of Mangalan of Neendakara in Kollam whose income has gone up from Rs 300 to three lakh. Mangalan engaged in plucking coconut is yet to recover from the shock.

Already reeling under financial crunch, the deprival of BPL benefits had left the family high and dry.

He had twice given complaint at Karunagapally taluk office, but the staff have not been able to address his grievances.