Move targets urban areas; cardholders can apply for reconsideration
East Singhbhum district plans to cancel 12,000 ration cards unused for six months or more, affecting urban areas like Jamshedpur NAC and Mango.
JAMSHEDPUR – East Singhbhum district in Jharkhand is set to cancel approximately 12,000 inactive ration cards to streamline its public distribution system.
The decision impacts green ration cards issued under both the National Food Security Act and the State Food Security Scheme.
Urban areas, including Jamshedpur NAC, Golmuri cum Jugsalai, Jugsalai Municipal Council, and Mango Municipal Corporation, are primarily affected.
The issue was identified through the district’s online monitoring system for food grain distribution from PDS shops.
PDS dealers with low distribution percentages received show-cause notices on the District Commissioner’s orders.
District officials have stated that cardholders with valid reasons for not collecting rations can apply for reconsideration.
These applications will be reviewed, and ration cards may be reissued, subject to quota availability in the district.
A significant number of these ration cards were issued during the Covid-19 pandemic, suggesting a possible correlation with that period’s unusual circumstances.
The district administration is considering migration as a potential factor in the non-collection of rations.
Physical verification of each cardholder’s residence may be necessary to ascertain the exact situation.
Salman Zafar Khijri, District Supply Officer, noted that while 95% of ration distribution is smooth in rural areas, urban areas are experiencing a notable decline in collection.
This decline in urban areas is affecting the district’s overall distribution percentage.
