Madikeri: If one traces a bogus ration card and informs the Food and Civil Supplies (FCS) department, such an individual can earn Rs 400 and the amount will be transferred directly into his personal account, said Food and Civil Supplies Minister U T Khadar.
Addressing a gathering at the Deputy Commissioner’s office auditorium here on December 21, Minister U T Khadar said around 10 lakh bogus cards have been eliminated from the supply system in the state till date.
The department has received 15.50 lakhs applications out of which 1.25 lakh applications have been rejected and sent to respective district offices. Revivification process of rejected applications is in progress and on completion, fresh applications will be issued for obtaining new ration cards, Minister Khadar said.
Lots of consumer friendly features have been incorporated in the online Public Distribution System (PDS) to make the food department people-friendly and asked the ration card holders to avail the benefit. After the process of receiving applications for ration cards through online verification began, applicants have started receiving ration cards at their doorsteps, removing all the hardships involved, Khadar explained.
Both BPL and APL Ration cards have been classified on “priority” and “non-priority” basis and income limits has been fixed at Rs 1.20 per year for BPL card holders by removing many stringent conditions that existed earlier, Khadar stated.
A total of 7172 applications were received from Kodagu district and 5374 applications have been processed and the ration cards will reach the applicants soon, Khadar said.
Bio-metric verification is being incorporated in PDS and the 70 percent of the 20,000 fair price shops in the state have been brought under system, stated Khadar. Those incorporating bio-metric systems will get higher commission by the Food and Civil Supplies (FCS) department, said the minister. Many FPS shops not showing urgency is a matter of concern, Khadar said, indirectly warning them to fall in line to ensure government schemes like “Anna Bhagya” reach all the beneficiaries.
Earlier PDS was distributed at designated outlets alone but with the bio-metric system, ration card holders can get their monthly quota from any of the outlets, Khadar hinted.
Those having LPG connection are eligible to get 1 litre Kerosene under PDS and in Kodagu alone there are 20,000 beneficiaries, Khadar revealed.
According to the minister, organisations offering selfless services to the disabled and aged people can get 15 kg rice, if they approach the deputy commissioners of respective districts.
A 3-member committee will oversee the PDS distribution at each fair price shop and the members will meet once a month to assess the performance. In case, majority complain against the FPS working, then such FPS will lose its license for good, Khadar said talking of departmental efforts to stream line PDS.
Ragi has been included in PDS in millets category Siridanya and each ration card holder can take 2 kgs along with 5 kg rice, if required. This will motivate farmers cultivating Ragi and help in their sustenance, Khadar said.
Kodagu DC Sreevidya, former MUDA President Suraiya Abrar were present.
