Though, Uttarakhand Government had implemented National Food Security (NFS) Scheme on July 1, many intended beneficiaries are yet to receive their new ration cards under the scheme.
As per the data received from State Food and Civil Supply department by July 26, 2014, in comparison to other districts, Dehradun district is the worst performing with 92.19 per cent rate in making and distributing new ration cards among the intended beneficiaries residing in rural and urban areas.
In Dehradun district, many residents protested recently at District Food and Civil Supply office and alleged that there are huge irregularities in making of new ration cards under the scheme in the district.
Moreover, those are having old ration cards have not been given ration under public distribution system so far this month. Sources said that old ration card holders will be given ration under State Food Security Scheme and the ration for these ration card holders under the scheme has been approved recently but shopkeepers are yet to procure the ration from the godown. Under the SFSS, these card holders will be given ration comprising 10 kg wheat and 5 kg rice at the rate of Rs 6.60 per kg and Rs 8.45 per kg respectively.
In Dehradun district, out of total target of 1,78,384 about 88,791 new ration cards were distributed among residents in rural areas and 75,684 cards were distributed in urban areas.
In Uttarkashi, 94.89 per cent new ration cards have been distributed among the beneficiaries, 98 per cent in Tehri, 97.18 per cent in Nainital, 94.53 per cent in Pithoragarh and 97.70 per cent in Udham Singh Nagar. A total of 8978 public distribution system shops are operational in the state.
Recently, residents of various areas had protested at the food and civil supply office and alleged that there are major anomalies in making of new ration cards under the scheme in the district. They had demanded that the administration should conduct thorough investigation in the making and distribution of new ration cards as large number of influential persons who are rich have procured new ration cards from the department.
Moreover, in Dehradun, Dehradun district magistrate Chandresh Kumar Yadav has withheld the salaries of block officials this month and directed them to complete the distribution of new ration cards in their jurisdiction without delay.
Moreover Yadav said that citizens can register their complaint in the Complaint Redressal Cell with proof if any person has procured new ration card illegally from the department. Thorough investigation will be conducted on received complaint and those officials found guilty will be punished, he added.
It should be mentioned here that under National Food Security (NFS) Act, around 62 lakh people in Uttarakhand have been covered and are given five kilos of food grains comprising three kilos of rice and two kilos of wheat per person for Rs three and Rs two per kg respectively.