The central and state governments are making major changes to the state’s ration system. Aadhaar linking with ration cards has already been done. However, a new initiative has now been taken to link bank accounts. The state has not opposed this decision of the central government. Instead, it is working hard to implement the plan. However, this decision has already sparked controversy. In particular, it has caused major confusion among ration dealers and farmers.

Rules for Linking Bank Details with Ration Cards

A meeting was held between the Union Food Secretary and the State Food Secretaries of West Bengal on February 28. During the meeting, it was announced that bank accounts would be linked to ration cards. According to the central government, benefits such as the cooking gas subsidy will be transferred directly to bank accounts, making it easier for beneficiaries to access these benefits.

Under the new rules for ration cards, KYC (Know Your Customer) of the head of the family will be mandatory when applying for a new ration card. Additionally, the bank account details of the head of the family must be submitted. However, the state government has clarified that the bank account details will be obtained from the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), so there will be no need to collect them separately.

State’s Consent to the Central Proposal

While the state government usually opposes central decisions, this time, it did not raise much objection. Instead, the state food department has confirmed that bank account information can be easily obtained through NPCI.

However, some issues have arisen. The All India Fair Price Shop Dealers Federation has strongly opposed this decision. The dealers argue that this move is essentially aimed at abolishing the ration system, which would mean that the common man could no longer receive food grains at subsidized prices.

Nationwide Strike in April

To protest this decision, the ration dealers’ organization has called for a nationwide strike on April 1. They claim that if the new rule is implemented, the business of ration dealers will be severely affected. Additionally, concerns have been raised about the transparency of the Khadya Sathi scheme and government grants. There could also be uncertainty about the system for purchasing paddy from farmers at the minimum support price.

Will the Ration System Survive?

This decision has raised several questions in political and social circles. If ration subsidies are directly transferred to bank accounts, the current ration shops may close. There may also be changes in the process for purchasing paddy from farmers. As a result, ration dealers fear that their future will become uncertain due to a lack of coordination between the center and the states.