Over 1.27 Lakh Fake Ration Cards Cancelled in Jammu and Kashmir

SRINAGAR: The Government of India has taken significant steps to eliminate ineligible beneficiaries from the Public Distribution System (PDS). Since 2013, over 1,27,872 fake and duplicate ration cards have been cancelled in Jammu and Kashmir. In Ladakh, 702 such cards were removed. This initiative is part of a larger nationwide drive aimed at enhancing transparency through digitisation, Aadhaar linking, and e-KYC verification.

5.87 Crore Ration Cards Cancelled Nationwide

Responding to a Rajya Sabha query, Minister of State for Consumer Affairs, Food, and Public Distribution, Nimuben Jayantibhai Bambhaniya, stated that a total of 5.87 crore ration cards were cancelled across India between 2013 and 2024. Uttar Pradesh topped the list with 1.93 crore cancellations, while Mizoram reported the lowest with 12,578. Among Union Territories, Delhi had the highest cancellations (3,27,297), while Ladakh recorded the fewest (702).

Aadhaar Seeding Drives Accuracy in Jammu and Kashmir

Jammu and Kashmir have nearly achieved 100% Aadhaar seeding of ration cards, allowing authorities to identify and remove ineligible entries. Factors like migration, duplicate records, and deaths contributed to the removals. Nationwide, 65% of beneficiaries under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY) have completed e-KYC, with states and UTs being urged to accelerate the process.

Focus on Food Security and Fortified Rice Distribution

To strengthen food security, the government is distributing fortified rice under schemes like the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) and PM Poshan. Jammu and Kashmir have fully implemented this initiative, ensuring fortified rice reaches all districts through the Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS).

These measures aim to ensure efficient and equitable food grain distribution while reducing leakages and improving targeting mechanisms.