Coupon system proving cumbersome for ration card holders in Hassan

Ration cardholders standing in queue to submit their Aadhaar card details at the Deputy Commissioner's office in Hassan on Monday. Photo: Prakash Hassan

Ration card holders have been finding it difficult to get foodgrains and kerosene this month following the introduction of the Aadhaar card-linked biometric coupon system. They have to obtain coupons from designated franchises to get foodgrains delivered to them.

This system was introduced last month in select fair price shops only for distribution of kerosene. The idea was that the department could save 10,760 litres of kerosene by introducing this system in 10 fair price shops.

By linking Aadhaar cards with ration cards, the authorities could identify LPG subscribers easily and deny kerosene to them.

This month, the system was made compulsory across the district for foodgrains as well.

Aside from standing in queue, there are two other ways to get the coupons — use a smart phone or use the interactive voice response system over phone (both to get coupon bar code). H.E. Mahadevappa, Deputy Director of Food and Civil Supplies, told The Hindu , “As there are three ways to get the coupons, there is no need to stand in queues.” However, many people prefer to stand in queue and get the coupon as they are finding it cumbersome to get the bar code over phone.

The department says the coupons are available for free, but in some case, the private partners have been seen charging Rs. 10 for one coupon. Members of the Aam Aadmi Party and Kannada organisations have opposed this system and staged protests against “penalising the poor card holders”.

Linking with Aadhaar

Meanwhile, linking of Aadhaar cards with ration cards is under way. Card holders have been given time till August 15 to furnish their Aadhaar cards in order to avail the benefits. Of the 4,05,050 ration cards in Hassan district, 3,93,096 have been linked with Aadhaar.

The total number of beneficiaries in the district is 14,44,656. Of them, 9,64,258 have submitted their Aadhaar cards.

“We have set up computers in all taluk centres to link the cards as and when people approach us with the Aadhaar documents. Every day, 10,000 to 15,000 cards are linked,” said A.G. Srinivas, Assistant Director, Food and Civil Supplies , said.