Notwithstanding the opposition from various sections of society and political parties, the district administration went ahead with the process of weeding out bogus ration cards and all its efforts seem to have yielded fruit.
In the first phase of the process that began in 2012, around 23,147 below poverty line (BPL) cards that were found to be bogus were eliminated.
With this, distribution of 3,703.52 quintals of rice to those who were not beneficiaries was stopped resulting in the administration saving Rs. 28,88,340 per month.
In the second phase that began this year, the district authorities have so far weeded out 75,523 bogus ration cards and ration for these card holders were immediately stopped.
By doing so, the administration has avoided unnecessary distribution of 14,633.22 quintals of rice and in turn has saved Rs. 1,14,740 per month.
Aadhaar seeding process underwayOn the other hand, the process of Aadhaar seeding was underway and according to sources, 6,92,186 cards existed in the mandals while total units were identified as 27,17,148. So far, 85 per cent of the total units – 23,23,392 units – were seeded with Aadhaar. Another 3,93,756 units are yet to seeded.
Joint Collector A. Sarath has been personally supervising both Aadhaar seeding and bogus ration card issues.
According to sources, during the recent Intensive Household Survey conducted by the State government, about 8,81,819 households were identified against the estimated figure of 8,33,683.
If the figures are to be believed, then the government has to sanction new ration cards to the eligible persons.
“We still have to receive information on how many are from below poverty line. All those eligible need to be issued white ration cards without fail,” said an officer in the Civil Supplies Department.
