Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has launched a verification drive to identify and remove foreign infiltrators who have allegedly been issued ration cards under the state’s food security schemes.
Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Minister Krushna Chandra Patra, speaking to reporters on Monday, said the department has issued instructions to all district collectors to conduct a thorough survey and identify foreign nationals who may have illegally availed ration cards.
“Several foreign nationals from Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Myanmar, who are suspected to be illegal infiltrators, have managed to obtain ration cards in Odisha. Their cards will be cancelled immediately,” said Patra.
The minister further stated that district administrations have been directed to verify beneficiaries and remove the names of any foreign infiltrators from official records.
“If any infiltrators are found availing benefits under food security schemes in districts like Balasore, Kendrapara, Jagatsinghpur, or elsewhere, their names will be struck off the list,” he added.
