Bhubaneswar, (Reporterspen), July 31: Food Supplies & Consumer Welfare Minister Krushna Chandra Patra informed the Odisha Assembly on Wednesday that a total of 16,27,932 ghost ration cards have been identified in the state. In response to a query from Bonai MLA Laxman Munda, Patra explained that ineligible beneficiaries’ names will be automatically removed due to the introduction of e-KYC verification.
Munda had expressed concerns about the large number of beneficiaries who still do not have ration cards.
Patra assured that the State Government is taking steps to deliver rations to those who cannot visit the panchayat office. He also announced that an app will be developed to assist elderly beneficiaries who have difficulty authenticating their biometrics for ration collection.
Additionally, Patra revealed that PDS dealers from the previous government were reportedly involved in irregularities. The Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Department will identify and revoke the licenses of these dealers, the Minister confirmed.
