Ration cards to be computerised

By Our Staff Reporter

NEW DELHI, SEPT. 20.

A revolution of sorts is under way in the State Food and Civil Supplies Department. Taking full advantage of Information Technology, the Department has decided to go in for a computerisation of more than 37 lakh ration cards of all categories.

A bid to streamline the Public Distribution System, the project -- first of its kind in the country -- is being implemented under the guidance of the government-owned Computer Maintenance Corporation (CMC) which is providing the software and technological assistance. To top it all, a colourful scheme is being introduced for ration cards of various categories. While ration cards for the ``Below Poverty Line'' category would be of yellow colour, those coming under the Antodaya and Annapurana schemes would be red. The consumers Above the Poverty Line would be issued white cards.

The Food and Civil Supplies Minister, Dr. Yoganand Shastri, said Delhi was the first state to undertake computerisation of ration cards. The forms for the BPL and Antodaya categories are already available with the zonal offices for one rupee. The fee for making the BPL ration cards has been fixed at Rs. 10 while that of APL cards has been put at Rs. 20. The laminated computer- generated ration cards would not only have a computerised photograph of the head of the family but would also have electronic signatures which cannot be tampered with. It would have different columns for issuance of various category of essential commodities falling under the PDS scheme.

The back of the card would provide space for information about the family members and would have a column for addition and deletion of names. But this would now be possible only through the computerised process. Initially, ration cards would be issued by the CMC staff as it would not be possible to provide computers on such a large scale at the zonal offices. But later, this process would be decentralised and it was expected they would handle the entire process on their own by installing computers and training the staff.

Dr. Shastri said it was hoped that all cmputersied ration cards under the BPL category would be issued by January, 2002. This would also help eliminate fradulent cards which were in circulation. At present, Delhi has a total of 33 lakh ration cards. This is apart from the 3.97 lakh ration cards issued to those in JJ clusters. The process for issuance of computerised ration cards for APL would be taken up after January and is expected to be completed by the end of this financial year.

There is good news for those living in re-settlement colonies and the homeless residing along the footpaths and other open spaces. The Delhi Government has decided to issue temporary ration cards to them so that they are able to draw their rations from the PDS shops under the free distribution scheme initiated by the Centre. Already, a scheme has been put in place and around 4,000-odd ration cards have been issued under thecategory. This is also the first time that these sections are being included in the PDS to provide them maximum benefit.

Dr. Shastri said ration cards for the APL sections would only be utilised for identification purposes as it is rarely that they draw items from the PDS outlets.

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