Representative image showing Fingerprint Biometric Authentication Button
Credit: iStock Photo
Bengaluru: Lakhs of senior citizens in the state are deprived of monthly rations supplied by the government as their fingerprints are not working due to age-related issues.
Sadly, the government's decision to stop one time password (OTP)-based delivery of rations to prevent misuse of benefits, has added their troubles.
Earlier, in case the thumb impression fails, the staff used to provide rations through an OTP-based system using the beneficiary's Aadhaar-linked mobile number. Further, only 20% of the ration distribution centres are provided with iris-scanning machines, which were mandatory.
"This is the second month that I have been denied rations as my fingerprint is not working. Earlier, they used to do it through OTP, which they have stopped now," said Lakshmamma, a retired D group state government employee.
Lakshmamma said the staff try several methods to get the finger prints. "They apply sanitiser and even rub our fingers on the wall to somehow get the thumb impression. When all efforts fail, we are forced to forgo our rations," she said.
"My father is over 76 years old and I used get rations in his name by giving the OTP. Last month, they asked me to fetch my father as the OTP is not accepted anymore. As our family depends on government rations, I took my father to get the rations but since his thumb impression was not recognised, we were denied rations," said Naresh, an autorickshaw driver.
There are several such senior citizens facing a similar problem over the last two months.
The department of Food and Civil Supplies provides rations using OTP for those who have linked their Aadhaar with the mobile number besides using the biometric system. Family members of beneficiaries were allowed to get the rations by providing the OTP even in the absence of the beneficiary.
According to officials, the decision to discontinue the OTP was to put an end to middlemen sourcing rations in the name of beneficiaries and selling it outside.
"We cannot carry iris or biometric machines to the houses of those above 70 years. We will meet the department officials to discuss and brief them about the problem," said T Krishnappa, president, Fair Price Shop Owners' Association.