Widespread Discrepancies Uncovered in State Ration Cards

Odisha’s ongoing e-KYC verification drive for ration cards, extended until 31 December, has revealed significant irregularities in the public distribution system. A total of 683,995 deceased individuals were identified in the ration card database, prompting concerns about fraudulent entries and misuse.

As a result of rigorous verification, 33,128 ineligible ration cards were cancelled, affecting 120,199 family members. Among the districts, Khordha recorded the highest number of fake cards at 4,747, followed by Cuttack (2,905) and Sundargarh (2,357), according to Supply Minister Krushna Chandra Patra in a written response to the Odisha Assembly.

New Applications and Eligibility Verification

Since June 2024, Odisha has received 1,533,153 applications for new ration cards. Of these, 323,145 applications, covering 639,827 family members, were verified as eligible and included in the Food Security Scheme.

Meanwhile, 737,530 applications were rejected under the Odisha State Food Security Targeted Public Distribution System Rules, 2020, for failing to meet eligibility criteria. An additional 472,478 applications remain under scrutiny at block and municipal levels.

Ensuring Transparency and Streamlining Distribution

The e-KYC initiative underscores the state government’s commitment to streamlining the public distribution system and ensuring that benefits reach genuine beneficiaries. The detection of fraudulent ration cards highlights systemic loopholes and has prompted calls for stricter oversight.

Authorities are now racing to complete field verification checks before the 31 December deadline to curb further misuse. Minister Patra’s revelations have sparked debates on governance and transparency, with citizens urging swift action to safeguard Odisha’s food security framework.

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