New Delhi, Apr 5 (IANS): After the Delhi government announced that it will give rations to the non-ration card holders, it has also started issuing 'e-coupons' to the poor to get the food grains free of cost.

Speaking to IANS, an official from the Food and Supply Department said the process of issuing the e-coupons have started while food distribution will be started by mid-week.

"Those who are poor and need ration from the government will have to register online. They will get the e-coupon which they have to show at the distribution centre. The head of the family needs to have an Aadhar card which will be uploaded online. A family photo will also be required for the registration," the official said.

After your e-Coupon is generated, an SMS will be sent on the registered number. "They have to download the e-Coupon using the link included in the SMS," the official explained.

The beneficiaries will have to visit the designated Relief Centre with the e-Coupon and Aadhar Card to collect the ration

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal had on Saturday announced that many poor people do not have any ration card and amid the lockdown, the government will give them the benefit of free ration.

"We are doing the registration process because if we open the distribution process for everyone, then there are chances that one person will come many times to take ration and then there will be a shortage of ration. I will request the people who know how to handle the internet and computer to help these poor people to register. All these people will get 5 kg of free ration."

This will be in addition to over 71 lakh Public Distribution System beneficiaries already taking ration free of cost.

The country is facing a lockdown due to coronavirus till April 14.