Non-eligible cardholders face penalties and legal action after December 20
Key Points:
- Affluent families must surrender ration cards by December 20.
- Legal action will be taken against ineligible cardholders.
- Eligible beneficiaries are missing out due to improper card use.
MEDININAGAR – Palamu Deputy Commissioner (DC) Shashi Ranjan has urged economically affluent ration cardholders to surrender their cards by December 20 at the Supply Department office.
DC Ranjan emphasized that affluent families misusing ration cards are depriving eligible beneficiaries of their rightful access to the scheme. Strict legal measures will be taken against defaulters who fail to comply.
Legal Action and Surrender Process
The DC stated that under the Public Distribution System (Control) Order 2024, Clause 7 (11) and (111), legal proceedings and fines will apply to ineligible cardholders not surrendering their cards by the set deadline. Additionally, the misappropriated ration will be recovered along with penalties.
Eligible families unable to receive benefits under the National Food Security Act (NFSA) 2013 will be prioritized. DC Ranjan mentioned that Palamu district has covered 18,28,926 beneficiaries as per the current records. Applications to include deserving families remain pending due to misuse of ration cards by ineligible individuals.
Strict Monitoring at Block Levels
The Deputy Commissioner instructed all Block Development Officers (BDOs) to convene meetings of vigilance committees in the presence of Supply Officers. This ensures close monitoring and transparency. The final list of ineligible ration cardholders, with clear reasons, must be submitted to block offices and recommended by panchayat heads by December 25.
Appeal for Voluntary Surrender
Economically sound ration cardholders are requested to submit Form-10G through their local ration dealer to the respective Block Supply Officer. DC Ranjan urged compliance, warning that action would follow against defaulters after December 20.
DC Ranjan emphasized that transparent efforts will ensure ration benefits reach eligible families while preventing financial losses to the Supply Department.
