Food officials launched drive to cancel ration cards which not used in six months

Chamarajanagara: The process of canceling ration cards of individuals who have not collected ration items from fair price shops for six consecutive months is now underway. Final warnings are being issued to such individuals.

Many people obtain BPL (Below Poverty Line) cards for the sole purpose of accessing government benefits and healthcare services. They do not require rationed items and often fail to visit a fair price shop. As a result, if they do not collect rationed goods for six consecutive months, their ration card will be canceled.

In the district, there are a total of 265,114 ration cards, and out of these, 7,568 cardholders have not claimed the items covered by their ration cards. As a final notice, such individuals are being given one more month to collect their rationed items. Failure to do so will result in the cancellation of their ration cards. It's worth noting that these individuals not only miss out on rationed goods but also forfeit other government benefits available through their ration cards.

The state government provides rice and cash to BPL cardholders to ensure that the economically weaker can afford to purchase rice at market prices. This data collection process aims to determine if these benefits are indeed reaching those in need.

Efforts have already begun to ascertain why 7,568 individuals have not claimed their rationed food in the district for the past six months. Factors such as whether the family has relocated, obtained the ration card for healthcare purposes, or if the cardholder has passed away are being investigated. This information is being collected and forwarded to the state level, where senior officials will decide which ration cards to cancel based on the provided data.

Among the cardholders who have not received rationed goods for six consecutive months, 2,069 are in Chamarajanagar taluk, 1,671 in Gundlupet taluk, 1,493 in Kollegala taluk, 1,741 in Hanur taluk, and 590 in Yalandur taluk.

In the district, a total of 265,114 individuals are eligible for rationed goods and cash benefits. In September, 248,113 cardholders received Rs 12.43 crore, which was credited to their bank accounts. Food department officials have urged those who have not received the payment to ensure their ration cards are linked to Aadhaar, their bank account information is accurate, and their e KYC (Electronic Know Your Customer) is up to date.

Food department deputy director Yogananda said that ration cards that remain unused for six consecutive months will be canceled. The process of collecting information from affected individuals and raising awareness about this measure has now been initiated in the district.