In J&K, thousands of vulnerable citizens are caught in a bureaucratic quagmire and cannot access essential Government benefits due to the non-bifurcation of joint ration cards. This issue is not just an administrative oversight; it is a grave social injustice that threatens the very fabric of welfare schemes designed to uplift the poor and marginalised. The root cause of the issue lies in the reliance on 2011 Census data for ration card distribution and related welfare benefits. The non-conduct of a new census since then has left the region working with outdated and inaccurate demographic information. As a result, many families cannot bifurcate their joint ration cards, a crucial step for obtaining a BPL ration card. Without a BPL card, these families are excluded from vital Government schemes, such as subsidised food rations and social welfare programmes like the Old Age Pension and the Ladli Beti scheme.
The impact of this issue on the ground is profound. Elderly citizens, who are among the most vulnerable, are particularly hard hit. Many seniors, dependent on Old Age Pensions for their survival, are denied this essential support because their children, who may be financially stable, are listed on the same ration card. This creates a paradox where the truly needy cannot access the benefits meant for them. Practically, a petty vendor struggling to make ends meet, living in a joint family where his brother is a Government employee with a stable income, is devoid of a BPL ration card. Despite his dire financial situation, the vendor is ineligible for a BPL card because of the joint family ration card. This is not an isolated incident; it reflects the plight of many families in Jammu and Kashmir.
In the absence of a clear administrative solution, many affected citizens are turning to local political leaders for help. Former municipal councillors have highlighted the struggles of people, who frequently visit them with desperate pleas for assistance. These local leaders, while sympathetic to the plight of their people, are often powerless to effect change, as the issue requires intervention at higher administrative levels. The fact that citizens feel the need to seek political favours to access basic welfare benefits is indicative of a deeper systemic problem. Government schemes are meant to be accessible to all eligible citizens without political mediation.
The official stance of the Jammu and Kashmir Government, as articulated by the Director of the Department of FCS&CA, is that the bifurcation of ration cards will only be possible after the next census. This response, while technically accurate, offers little comfort to those currently in need. The delay in conducting a new census has effectively stalled the bifurcation process, leaving many families in limbo. While the J&K Government has reportedly sent a proposal to the Centre for interim relief, the outcome remains uncertain. In the meantime, thousands of families continue to suffer the consequences of an outdated system that fails to reflect the current socio-economic realities.
To address the issue, instead of waiting for the census alone, the Government must explore interim solutions to allow for the bifurcation of ration cards based on current circumstances rather than outdated census data. One possible solution could be the implementation of a provisional bifurcation process, where families can apply for bifurcation based on current living conditions, with a review process in place to ensure that benefits are distributed fairly. This could be done through local administrative bodies, with support from J&K and Central Governments. This exercise can be undertaken with precise transparency. The current opacity only fuels frustration and drives citizens to seek political influence, undermining the credibility of Government schemes. Clear guidelines, a simplified application process, and regular updates on the status of applications could help needy families. Delays will only exacerbate the hardships faced by those already struggling to survive. Immediate relief is the need of the hour.
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