Months after the curtailment of ration quota, the Jammu Kashmir admin has called for a re-verification of ration card holders in Kashmir.
In an official communication, of which a copy is available with The Kashmiriyat, the Directorate of Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs has directed all Assistant Directors to re verify the ration card holders in PHH and AAY schemes within a stipulated period of time.
“Time to time, this Directorate issued clear cut instructions to you vide communications referred to above, directing therein to get the AAY/PHH rationees verified within the stipulated time period, ensuring that all ineligible beneficiaries / ration cards are weeded out and only genuine beneficiaries are receiving the ration under the scheme, being devised for poorest of the poor,” read the order.
The Anti Corruption Bureau J&K has also taken the cognizance of the matter and has requested higher authorities for passing directions to the concerned in this behalf, the Directorate said.
In view of above, you are directed to gear up the process, ensuring that all the bogus / ineligible AAY/PHH ration cards are weeded out, only deserving ones are receiving the benefit and interests of the Govt exchequer are safeguarded.
Pertinently in January 2023, the rice curtailment to the Kashmir valley was drastically brought down after the Government merged two schemes. Only five kilograms were provided per person for a month following the January order, which triggered protests in the Kashmir valley.
In July, however, LG Manoj Sinha announced that ten kilograms extra rice will be provided per ration card per month.
According to official sources, who spoke to The Kashmiriyat the process of re-verification is a timely process and has been reordered in view of the complaints received by officials.
“We have received reports that the field staff has issued several PHH (earlier BPL) ration cards to several people who are not deserving of the same, hence a re-verification has been ordered,” the official said.