Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (JS)
Mangaluru, Jul 1: "In order to simplify the process of obtaining ration cards, the current criteria will be revised and simplified so that the benefis reach every single person in the state," said minister for food and civil supplies U T Khader.
Addressing media persons at Circuit House here on Friday July 1, Khader said, "Making the process of applying, processing and issuing ration cards easy is the priority. There are about 10 lac applications pending over the last one-and-a-half years and it is my aim to clear them and issue ration cards to eligible people in the next 3 months. Our district alone has about 11,000 pending applications. We have been working on making the process of issuing APL cards online, so that people who want to obtain APL cards can do it online. The system will be introduced shortly."
"There is a need to identify bogus cards and cancel them, but this should not affect the genuine card applicants. A system will be introduced wherein only by providing Aadhar card can one obtain the ration card. We have been planing to give the rights of issuing ration cards to gram panchayats, as they are the ones who verify authenticity of applicants. New criteria will be formed shortly so that the benefit reaches the last person in the society," he added.
"A website will be created where anyone can give a tip-off on bogus card holders and illegal stocking of ration. The identity of the informer will be kept secret and a reward of Rs 400 will be given. Strict action will be taken against those who keep illegal stock. Registered NGOs having residential orphanages and old age homes will be provided ration at Rs 3 per kg.
"If any ration shop denies ration, then people can call 1967 toll free number and action will be taken against such shops. No ration shop can give reason that there is shortage of stock, as the stock will reach the shops by 20th of every month. Steps will be taken to get kidney and cancer patients under BPL and provide the same benefits to them," he added.
On being asked about his new ministry, he said, "I held the health portfolio earlier. I am happy to work in this ministry now as both health and food and civil supplies are directly involved with general public and pertaining to every single individual in the state."