West Bengal to start digitised ration procurement

Kolkata, 28 June-2014(Indilens Web Team): The West Bengal government is planning to introduce a system whereby people with digitised ration cards can obtain foodgrain from any public distribution system (PDS) outlet in the state, an official said Saturday.

West Bengal to start digitised ration procurement

According to officials at the state food and supplies department, the move would check corruption and ensure smooth supply chain management.

At present, of the 14 crore ration cards issued in the state, around 7.64 crore have been digitised in accordance with the National Population Register and Socio-Economic Caste Survey.

As it is known to all that the West Bengal Government seized 20 lakh bogus ration cards last month

“According to our estimate there are 89 lakh bogus ration cards in the State. We have directed the dealers to surrender such cards and promised to give them a higher commission,” Food Minister Jyotipriya Mullick told The Hindu.

In an attempt to bail out farmers facing an agrarian crisis, the government has set a target of procuring 20 lakh tonnes of rice by September 30. Mr. Mullick said the department has procured 9 lakh tonnes of rice.