Ration card digitisation lagging behind target

According to the data of the MFPD, out of the 5.83 lakh subsidised ration shops, so far only 2.27 lakh shops have been equipped with digital point of sale (POSS) machines.

the digitisation process of the rationing system which would have helped the poor to avail of their right to food.

“The state government should be serious about linking of Aadhaar to the ration card and play the role of an enabler in the entire process instead of can- because it was not linked to their Aadhaar number. Although this was refuted by the state government.

“The digitisation process will help in checking leakages in the subsidised ration distribution system in the country but till the time all the ration cards are not linked to Aadhaar, the state should not deny any poor from getting subsidised ration,” Meena told The Sunday Guardian.

The targeted public distribution system is the largest subsidy programme in the country. Under the National Food Security Act, each individual is entitled to 5kg food grain per month at a subsidised rate of Rs 2-3 per kg.

“Due to the ration card being digitised and connected to the Aadhaar number, 30 lakh fake ration cards have been cancelled. This has saved a food subsidy of Rs 20,000 crore annually,” the official quoted said.

Once the ration cards are fully operational by 2019, consumers can avail of food grains from any ration shop in the country. Work is underway to prepare a public distribution system network in this direction.

“Many states are still far behind in linking of ration system with Aadhaar numbers and so far, only 70% ration cards have been linked to the Aadhaar numbers.”