Smart Scheme: Punjab govt cancels 2.86 lakh ineligible ration cards
Punjab News: The Punjab government has cancelled 2.86 lakh ration cards under the smart ration card scheme from across the state. About 14 lakh beneficiaries of ineligible identified ration cards have now stopped getting free food grains.
   The Food and Civil Supplies Department had started the work of verification of about 40.68 lakh ration cards in September 2022.
In September 2022, the Food and Civil Supplies Department had started scrutinising around 40.68 lakh ration cards. So far, about 93 per cent of the investigation work has been completed. These days, free food grains are being distributed and there has been a hue and cry among the people about the ration cards deducted.
   During the investigation, most of the defaulters have come out, who did not meet the conditions for the smart ration scheme but were taking ration. According to the details, the highest number of 46,016 ration cards have been cut in Ludhiana district, while 36,159 ration cards have been cut in Amritsar district due to ineligible.
   According to the details, the highest number of 46,016 ration cards have been cut in Ludhiana district, while 36,159 ration cards have been cut in Amritsar district due to ineligible. The third number is in Gurdaspur district, where 21,302 ration cards have been cut, while in Bathinda district, 20,273 ration cards have been leaked.
There are rumours that eligible ration cards have also been discontinued at many places.
   In Hoshiarpur district, 17,880 ration cards have been cut, while in Patiala district, 17,549 ration cards have been disconnected. The Food and Civil Supplies Department has removed ineligible identified ration cards from the grain portal.
In addition to the upcoming municipal corporations/councils, the opposition parties may also make the issue of these ration cards being cut an issue during the elections to the panchayat bodies.
   These days free wheat is being distributed in Punjab from April to June. This ration is now given free of cost by the central government, while earlier wheat was given at the rate of Two rupees per kg. From January 1 to December this year, these grains are to be given free of cost. Punjab currently has 40.68 lakh total ration cards.