Clear all pending ration card requests, says food minister
Delhi food and supplies minister Imran Hussain on Friday directed his department to immediately clear all applications for issuance of ration cards, which he claimed were pending for over three years.
The direction was given by Hussain in a meeting held with senior officials of the department to find ways to add more beneficiaries to Delhi’s ration card system. During the meeting, the minister was informed that many applications are pending with the department since 2015.
He was also informed that the government of India has set a target of 72.78 lakh beneficiaries in Delhi for coverage under the National Food Security Act 2013. Many applicants could not be covered under the scheme earlier as the limit of 72.78 lakh beneficiaries had already been achieved, and ration cards were being issued against the vacancies arising due to deletion of names.
“The officers of the department informed that recently vacancies have arisen due to cancellation of ration cards for various reasons. The department is now considering clearing pending applications for issuance of ration cards and addition of beneficiaries,” the government said in a statement.
Friday’s meeting was attended by the commissioner, special commissioner and assistant commissioner, along with other food supply officers.