Aatmja Kumari(Intern Journalist): Food and Public Distribution Department – 4.39 crore fake ration cards have been canceled since 2013 to identify the right beneficiaries under NFSA
To modernize the Public Distribution System (TPDS) and bring in legibility and efficiency in its operations, digitization of ration cards and beneficiaries’ databases, as part of the targeted campaign to bring technology-backed PDS across the country. Linking to, identifying ineligible / fake ration cards, After preventing duplication of digitized data and identifying cases of beneficiaries moving / dying elsewhere, the Governments of the States / Union Territories in the country from 2013 to 2020 total about 4.39 crore ineligible / bogus rations Cards are canceled.
In addition, the respective quota issued for NFSA coverage is being used regularly by the concerned State / UTs for ‘correct identification’ of the beneficiaries under NFSA. Under this, work is on to include eligible beneficiaries / families / issue new ration cards to them. This work is being done within the respective limits of coverage defined for each state / union territory under the Act.
Under the NFSA, 81.35 crore people are being provided foodgrains at very low prices through TPDS, which is two-thirds of the country’s population as per the 2011 census. Presently, more than 80 crore people of the country are being provided food grains (rice, wheat and other coarse grains) under NFSA every month at highly subsidized rates issued by the Center – Rs 3, Rs 2 and Rs 1 per kg.
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