Jammu and Kashmir has recently taken monumental steps to improve the efficiency and transparency of its Public Distribution System (PDS) by cancelling over 127,872 fake and duplicate ration cards since 2013. This move is significant not only for the territory but also as part of the wider nationwide initiative aimed at eliminating fraudulent beneficiaries.
According to Nimuben Jayantibhai Bambhaniya, the Minister of State for Consumer Affairs, Food, and Public Distribution, this extensive campaign has included 702 ration cards cancelled in the neighboring Union Territory of Ladakh. Since the effort's inception, the Indian government has systematically slashed the number of illegitimate ration cards by over 5.87 crore across the nation, illustrating the scale of this initiative.
The cancellation figures vary among the states, with Uttar Pradesh leading the charge by cancelling 1,93,54,572 ration cards, compared to Mizoram, which saw only 12,578 cancelled. Among the Union Territories, Delhi tops the list with the cancellation of 3,27,297, highlighting the differences across regions.
One of the major strategies behind these cancellations has been the digitization of ration cards, linking them to Aadhaar, and employing e-KYC (Know Your Customer) verification methods. These measures are intended to refine the targeting of food subsidies, thereby reducing pillaging and enhancing the overall distribution of grains to those entitled to receive them. The result has been nearly 100% of ration cards linked to Aadhaar within Jammu and Kashmir, enabling officials to identify dubious records due to reasons like permanent migration, duplicate entries, or death.
With regard to the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY), approximately 80.67 crore individuals are currently benefiting from free food grains distributed throughout the country. Efficient execution of this program requires states and Union Territories, including Jammu and Kashmir, to expedite their e-KYC processes—a request emphasized by Minister Bambhaniya, who noted, "These reforms are expected to strengthen food security and improve the transparency of welfare programs." Nationwide, around 65% of PMGKAY beneficiaries have completed their e-KYC verification, streamlining the distribution of food resources.
Adding another layer of support, the Indian government has introduced fortified rice through diverse channels such as the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) and PM Poshan schemes. Importantly, Jammu and Kashmir has adopted this initiative, ensuring fortified rice reaches all districts under the Targeted Public Distribution System, aimed at addressing malnutrition and enhancing food security.
The action taken against fake ration cards is not merely administrative but is fundamentally tied to the ethos of governance the current Indian government seeks to promote. The cancellation of these cards reflects the drive for accountability and the determination to deliver government support where it’s rightfully due. With these changes, there’s hope for greater transparency and efficiency within food security programs throughout Jammu and Kashmir, ensuring eligible families do not miss out on government assistance.
This campaign against fraudulent ration cards is part of the broader strategy to refine food distribution systems nationally. It showcases the commitment of the government not just to combat fraud, but to genuinely assist those who need it most, leading to improved living standards and food security across various demographics.
