Soon, get APL ration cards in just 10 days

Food and Civil Supplies Minister U T Khader announced on Thursday that starting October 15, those applying for APL ration cards would get them within 10 days. Addressing media persons here on Thursday, he said that after October 25, BPL card applicants too would get them within 10 days.

Noting that henceforth, the Panchayat will be solely responsible - from issuing applications to verifying documents - he said that the necessary software was being installed and the same would be ready by Oct 15 (APL cards) and Oct 25 ( BPL cards).

Now onwards, only four aspects would be considered for issuing the cards. They are: (a) Whether the applicant is income tax payee/government employee; (b) Whether the applicant has less than 7 acres of dry or wet land; (c) Whether the applicant has a house measuring less than 1,000 sq feet (in Corporation limits) or 1,200 sq feet house (in Municipality limits) - there is no limit for house dimension in rural areas; and the applicant should not own a 4-wheeler (in case of tractors, one tractor is allowed); and (d) electricity consumed should be less than 150 units per month. The minister said that a total of 13 lakh ration cards were pending to be issued. The department had taken steps to issue 5 kg rice per person instead of 3 kg rice and 2 kg wheat, following a demand from the public, Khader said.

PDS coupons over phone

Khader said that Oct 1 onwards, consumers can avail of PDS coupons over phone. All that one has to do is dial 161 and then press 4. Subsequently, they have to type the Aadhaar number and a unique number will be sent to their mobile phones.