Team Herald
MARGAO: The Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs department is cracking down on the misuse of ration cards, including fraudulent usage by government servants. The department has been conducting inquiries over the last three years, resulting in the cancellation of approximately 60,000 ration cards belonging to ineligible individuals.
Speaking at a Fair Price Shop (FPS) Dealers’ meet held in Margao on Thursday, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Secretary Sanjit Rodrigues explained that these efforts have significantly reduced the number of ration card holders. He urged FPS owners to collaborate with local panchayats or gram sabhas if they suspect anyone is holding a fraudulent card.
Rodrigues also announced that a Central government scheme to support FPS owners will be introduced by December. Under this scheme, each FPS owner will receive a monthly sum of Rs 9,500 to cover various costs, including waiving the ePoS (Point of Sale device) rent. Additionally, transport and delivery of goods from government godowns to the FPS stores will be provided free of charge, relieving shop owners of this responsibility.
However, he also informed FPS owners that the commission price they receive cannot be hiked as it is the highest in the country. He encouraged them to explore ancillary activities to increase their income and addressed concerns over the use of fortified rice, assuring the public that it has been tested and is safe for consumption.
Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Minister Ravi Naik also announced that FPS owners would receive two extra kilos of grains and sugar during the Diwali period. Naik, who also serves as the Agriculture Minister, told reporters that a meeting has been scheduled with the Chief Minister to expedite the notification of the draft agriculture policy.