Bhubaneswar: Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Minister Krushna Chandra Patra on Monday ineligible beneficiaries to surrender ration cards obtained fraudulently or face penalties. The Odisha government has issued a stern directive targeting individuals who have improperly availed themselves of food security scheme benefits.
Minister Patra highlighted that numerous high-income earners and government employees were found to have fraudulently acquired ration cards. During an e-KYC verification process, several income taxpayers, including officers and doctors, were revealed to be on the beneficiary list.
“We have discovered that many individuals who do not qualify under the eligibility criteria, such as those in higher income brackets and government service, have acquired ration cards fraudulently. These people must surrender their cards without delay,” Patra stated.
The government has initiated a thorough verification of documents to identify and remove ineligible individuals from the beneficiary list. Minister Patra warned that those caught retaining ration cards through deceitful methods would face strict consequences. Penalties may include fines and recovery of benefits received from the date of issue of the ration cards.
“Action will be taken against offenders, and the money spent on their benefits will be recovered,” he added. Approximately 4 lakh income taxpayers are believed to have obtained ration cards under the previous administration, further complicating the issue.
The state government’s firm stance underscores its commitment to ensuring that resources are allocated only to eligible beneficiaries. Individuals who fail to comply with the directive will face legal action, ensuring fairness and transparency in the distribution of benefits.
