Ration Card Update: Ration card is an important part of India’s public distribution system, which provides food security to poor and needy families. Recently, the government has made many important changes in the ration card system, including the availability of additional food items and the mandatory e-KYC. The aim of these changes is to ensure access to facilities to the real beneficiaries.
Extension of new facilities
The government has made an important announcement for ration card holders. Now apart from wheat, gram and sugar, ten additional kitchen items will also be available at ration shops. These items include salt, mustard oil, soybean and various types of spices. This move will play an important role in improving the nutritional level of the beneficiaries.
E-KYC mandatory
The government has made e-KYC mandatory for ration card holders. This decision has been taken to identify and eliminate fake ration cards. All ration card holders have to complete their e-KYC by December 30. This process will ensure that government facilities reach only the real beneficiaries.
Action on fake ration cards
At present, there are more than 90 lakh ration card holders who are taking advantage of ration despite being ineligible. These include income tax payers and other ineligible persons. Such cards will be identified and canceled through e-KYC. From November, such ineligible persons will not get the facility of free ration.
Free ration scheme till 2028
The government has made an important announcement and extended the free ration scheme till 2028. This means that eligible beneficiaries will continue to get ration at no cost for the next four years. This decision is an important step towards ensuring food security of poor families.
Important instructions for beneficiaries
It is necessary for all ration card holders to complete their e-KYC within the stipulated time limit. This will keep their ration card active and they will be able to avail all the government facilities. Cardholders who do not get e-KYC done may have to be deprived of the facility of ration.
Effect of the new system
The biggest impact of the new system will be that government facilities will reach the real needy people. The elimination of fake cards will lead to better use of government resources and eligible beneficiaries will get more benefits.
Step towards nutrition security
The availability of additional food items will improve the nutritional level of the beneficiaries. This step will be especially helpful in improving the nutritional level of children and women. This effort of the government is an important initiative towards ensuring the health and nutrition of the weaker sections of the society.
Importance of digital system
Digital systems like e-KYC will help in increasing transparency. This will curb corruption and the distribution of facilities will be more efficient. Monitoring of ration distribution will also be easy with the digital system.
These changes made in the ration card system are a welcome step. This will not only benefit the real needy people, but will also make better use of government resources. The mandatory requirement of e-KYC and availability of additional food items will make this system more effective. All eligible beneficiaries should complete their e-KYC in time and avail these facilities.
