Delhi: No ration-distribution for those not collecting ration since January
The Delhi Government has ordered that distribution of ration to those who didn't avail it for three consecutive months be stopped till they get their verification done by food and supply officers (FSOs). The Food Supplies and Consumer Affairs Department directed officials to hold a special drive for "detailed verification" of beneficiaries who haven't availed rations from fair price shops between January and March.
4 lakh ration card holders didn't collect ration in Jan-Feb
In March, Food and Civil Supplies Minister Imran Hussain had directed officials to stop the cancellation of existing ration cards and immediately, put on hold the process of making new ones till further orders. The Minister's direction was issued after the department's data showed that around 4 lakh ration card holders didn't collect their ration for two months (January and February).
Ration distribution to be stopped from May
"The special-drive is being conducted for detailed verification of beneficiaries who did not turn up to avail their entitled ration for three consecutive months (January-March), and their distribution of ration be stopped from May, till they get verified from the respective FSOs," an official said.
Officials to continue with their statutory duties for ration cards
The department said after verification, if a ration card holder is found to be "genuine", then it must be ensured that no inconvenience is caused to them and they get ration immediately. However, FSOs have now been directed to continue with their "statutory duties" for addition and deletion of names of beneficiaries in existing cards, and issuance, cancellation, and modification of ration cards.
Food Commissioner issued orders for continuing e-PoS for ration: Hussain
The Lieutenant Governor's office and AAP government were at loggerheads on the distribution of ration through electronic point of sale (e-PoS) devices earlier this year. Last month, Hussain accused Food Commissioner Mohanjeet Singh of "disobeying" L-G Anil Baijal's order and issuing directions for the continuation of e-PoS system for ration distribution. Baijal had on April 16 directed suspension of e-POS after irregularities were found.
