Nearly 4 lakh ration cards may get cancelled in Delhi
What's the story
Nearly 4 lakh ration cards in Delhi might get cancelled if the beneficiaries fail to collect their ration for one more month, said the Delhi government sternly, adding that they ought to respond to the notices sent to them in ten days.
The Food and Civil Supplies Department data showed that in January and February, nearly 4-lakh card holders did not collect their ration.
Details
This trend started after digitalizing of the ration system
The department said that after the initiation of the e-POS system, 4.26 lakh card holders out of a total 19.41 lakh did not collect their ration in January. In February, the figure hovered around the same bracket.
"We will monitor this month too and initiate the process of card cancellation from April," said a senior officer of the Food and civil supplies department.
Reasons
Possible two reasons: Migratory workers or improper allocation of cards
The officer further said after the cancellation, they will be able to accommodate 'around 1.5 lakh applicants in the queue'.
When asked about the possible reasons behind this situation, the departmental officers listed out two factors.
"Many of these card holders might be migratory workers. Also, some might be those who were not eligible for ration cards but somehow got it," an officer said.
BJP said too
BJP leader had said about 4-lakh bogus ration cards too
Interestingly, just a week ago, Leader of the Opposition in Delhi Assembly Vijender Gupta had said about the exact number of ration cards that are bogus and an investigation should be initiated.
He had also alleged that "through the door step delivery system, government wants to benefit the ration mafia."
The doorstep delivery scheme by the AAP-led government now awaits L-G Anil Baijal's nod.