Major setback for thousands of ration card holders. A significant number of individuals in the district, specifically 11,849, were found to be earning substantial incomes while simultaneously benefiting from the government’s free ration program. These individuals, who were paying income tax, had their ration cards revoked by the supply department.
According to the Food Security Act, there are a total of 464,230 ration card holders in the district. Among these, 422,794 qualify under the Grahasti Yojana, while 41,436 are categorized under the Antyodaya Yojana. Beneficiaries of the Antyodaya card receive 35 kg of food grains, whereas those with the Grahasti card receive 5 kg.
The government’s intention was to ensure that assistance reached those in genuine need. However, it was discovered that some individuals, despite earning significant incomes, were still availing themselves of free ration benefits. The Income Tax Department provided a list of taxpayers to the Supply Department, which, upon cross-referencing with the ration card holders, identified 11,849 individuals who were improperly receiving benefits. The findings were surprising to the Supply Department officials, leading to the immediate cancellation of these ration cards.
Landlord farmers are also affected
In addition to the affluent tenant farmers, landlord farmers have also been impacted by the supply department’s actions. The ration cards of 178 farmers, who owned more than two hectares of land and were benefiting from free rations, have been revoked. These farmers had previously sold their produce to the government under the minimum support price scheme and were then reclaiming it through the free ration program. The supply department was taken aback when they reviewed the figures for government purchases.
Additionally, 3,956 ration cards belonging to deceased individuals have been cancelled. This action was taken after cross-referencing the data with records of women receiving destitute pensions.