'Check on extra ration card will save Rs 46 crore a month'

Those who are not eligible are also making use of the card. The operation to identify the non-beneficiaries of BPL card who are making use of it are being carried out successfully in the State, said Food and Civil Supplies department Commissioner H R Srinivas.

Speaking to presspersons, he said “the subsidy which was being given by the State government has increased to Rs 850 crore from Rs 750 crore. The programme of capturing the photo and thumb impression for ration card has achieved 90 per cent success. Those who possess two ration cards are being taken back. This will save Rs 46 crore income monthly.”  

He said bio metric system will be installed to solve the irregularities in the distribution of ration in PDS. Information on the ration to be distributed in each ration shop will be published on website. Even SMS will be sent to those who have given their numbers to the department. Customer care centre which will function from 8 am to 8 pm will provide information to the consumers at 18004259339.

Permanent ration cards are distributed in 34 taluks in the State. The distribution of ration cards in Dakshina Kannada and Udupi are under progress. By December end, permanent ration cards will be distributed across the State. If anyone who has not taken photographs for the ration card, then three months time will be given for them after the distribution of permanent ration cards.

The confusion over ration card in Naxal infested areas must be brought to the notice of AC, which will be set right immediately.