‘ 2.9L ration cards deleted without any inspection’

New Delhi, Aug. 20: The Delhi government on Monday alleged that Food Commissioner Mohanjeet Singh has decided to cancel more than 2.9 lakh ration cards without proper inspection, setting the stage for another round of tussle between the AAP dispensation and the bureaucracy.

Rejecting the government’s allegation, Mr Singh said 2.48 lakh “ineligible” ration card holders have been deleted after following “due process of law”.

The cancellation of ration cards has remained a thorny issue between the political leadership and the bureaucracy for some time.

In April, food and civil supplies minister Imran Hussain alleged Singh was “bent on” cancelling three lakh ration cards without proper verification. In May, Mr Hussain wrote to Mr Singh, directing him to restore supply of ration to those who have not received it from January to March.

On Monday, Mr Singh said the exercise undertaken by his department “must be one of its kind” and the Public Distribution System has been “cleansed and sanitised”. He said ration “worth crores were saved from pilferage”.

The government said Singh took the decision despite “strong objection” from Mr Hussain.

Chief minister Arvind Kejriwal took strong exception to the decision, and his government has warned of strict action.