Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 23: In a significant decision, the State Government today announced that despite shortfall in ration allocation from the Centre, it would provide ration to the people of the State as per 2011 census.
“Rationees would be provided ration on subsidized rates by the State Government as per 2011 census till the Government of India releases additional quota projected by J&K,” Minister for CA&PD and Tribal Affairs, Choudhary Zulfkar announced at a press conference here. He said the announcement is in tune with the commitment made by the PDP-BJP Coalition Government in its Agenda for Alliance.
He said all the Deputy Commissioners have been asked to provide, within one month, village-wise list of beneficiaries under different categories.
The distribution of ration as per 2011 census would begin after receiving lists from DCs.
The Minister said at present the State Government is providing rations to 19.72 lakh families with 1.01 crore souls as per 2001 census. He said as per the 2011 census the requirement of ration is for 22.73 lakh families with 1.25 crore souls.
He added that the State Government is getting ration from Government of India/FCI for 18.02 lakh families with 99.45 lakh souls as per projected population for 2000 resulting in shortfall of 16500 MTs per month.
He said the rations are presently being provided under four categories including BPL, Annapurna, Annatodya and APL.
In order to fill the shortfall gap, Minister apprised that the matter has already been taken up with the Central Government and issue is being pursued at various forums.
Referring to renewal/issuance of new ration cards, the Minister said that for this purpose the J&K Bank has been given a time of one month for the printing of new ration cards. He said the new ration cards will be both for rationees and non-rationees.
Enumerating the measures to be taken by the department to check pilferage of rations, the Minister said that GPS system is being put in place to track the movement of vehicles carrying the rations. He said e-transfer mechanism is also being adopted to check corruption.
The Minister also announced that electronic weighing machines will be installed at all the Fair Price Shops soon.
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