Bhubaneswar: Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Minister Krushna Chandra Patra has revealed that nearly four lakh income taxpayers were issued ration cards meant for the economically disadvantaged during the previous BJD government in Odisha.
The startling disclosure has prompted the government to initiate a comprehensive verification drive to identify and remove these ineligible beneficiaries from the food security scheme. “The ration cards of income taxpayers will be canceled once the verification process is complete,” Patra said, adding that officers have been instructed to conduct thorough field checks.
As part of the ongoing verification drive, more than 4.1 million applicants are updating their electronic Know Your Customer (e-KYC) details.
The Minister emphasized that this process will not only address the issue of taxpayer beneficiaries but also expose ‘ghost’ ration cardholders, ensuring that the benefits reach the intended recipients.
Patra assured that the government remains committed to rectifying the irregularities and enhancing the transparency of the system.
