1.12 lakh ration cards in Madurai fake: Minister

Of the 9.52 lakh family cards in the district, 1.12 lakh were fake, said Cooperation Minister Sellur K. Raju here on Sunday.

Speaking at a function to distribute smart cards, in place of the books, he said door-to-door survey and online checks had revealed that over a lakh cards were fake. This meant the government would save on its procurement in future, as those possessing smart cards would be only 8.40 lakh.

Smart cards were being issued since April 1 and the exercise would go on till June 7. Only under AIADMK rule, people benefited in a number of ways through ration shops.

All card holders not only received essential commodities, but received freebies, an idea conceptualised by former Chief Minister Jayalalithaa, he added.

Collector K. Veera Raghava Rao said every card holder would get a OTP (one time password) in their registered mobile number. On receipt of it, they could approach their ration shop and get the free smart card. So far, the district administration had issued 1.95 lakh smart cards, he said.

A press release said the minister gave away 1,463 cards at Ponmeni in Madurai West Assembly constituency and 819 cards in DRO Colony in Madurai North constituency. DRO Velusamy, DSO Jeeva and others participated.

1.12 lakh ration cards in Madurai fake: Minister

Smart cards will be issued till June 7, says Sellur K. Raju