59 lakh bogus ration cards to be cancelled

Authorities have decided to remove around 59 lakh bogus names from ration cards and are awaiting a final nod from the Chief Minister, Mr K. Rosaiah.
A three-phase survey undertaken by different government departments — civil supplies, rural development and education — found 59,15,777 bogus names among beneficiaries of subsidised rations. In many instances the cards did not match proof of photo and address in the records.
This means that around 12.68 per cent of the 4.66 crore ration beneficiaries in the state are spurious.
The civil supplies department has already proposed deletion of 11,37,981 ration cards from the system for various reasons.
Deletions over death, permanent migration and bogus cases have been displayed on notice boards of respective gram panchayats.
Tahsildars and joint collectors have been directed to scrutinise objections on the deletions.
“A final decision in this regard would be taken by the Chief Minister as the deletion of cards might cause a stir among the public,” said a senior
official.
Since the issue is likely to have political implications, the government is likely to take some more time to announce the decision.
“After completion of fourth phase survey by March end, all new enrolments would follow unique identification project standards including fingerprints and iris,” said an official.
The government is evaluating all technology options including biometrics and smart cards.