Jammu, Dec 17: In a significant step to improve the efficiency and transparency of the Public Distribution System (PDS), the Government of India has successfully cancelled over 1,27,872 fake and duplicate ration cards in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir since 2013 while 702 ration cards have been cancelled in Ladakh. This action is part of a larger nationwide drive to eliminate ineligible beneficiaries through the digitization of ration cards, Aadhaar linking, and e-KYC verification.
Replying to a query in the Rajya Sabha, Ministry of State for Consumer Affairs, Food, and Public Distribution, Nimuben Jayantibhai Bambhaniya revealed that 5.87 crore ration cards have been cancelled across the country between 2013 and 2024 and 1,27,872 ration cards in J&K as part of efforts to ensure “rightful targeting” of food subsidies. These reforms are aimed at minimizing leakages and ensuring food grains reach eligible beneficiaries efficiently.
According to the data presented by the MoS, among the states, highest ration cards of 1,93.54,572 have been cancelled in Uttar Pradesh and lowest of 12,578 in Mizoram. Among the Union Territories, Delhi has registered highest cancellations of 3,27,297 and Ladakh registered lowest of 702.
The Minister informed that under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY), 80.67 crore people are currently receiving free food grains across the country. Jammu and Kashmir has also significantly contributed to this success with the Aadhaar seeding of ration cards nearing 100%. The reforms have helped identify ineligible records due to reasons such as permanent migration, duplicate entries and deaths.
“Additionally, the Government is prioritizing the completion of e-KYC for PMGKAY beneficiaries to further streamline the distribution process,” the MoS said, adding, nationwide, 65% of beneficiaries have already completed e-KYC, and States/UTs, including J&K are being urged to expedite this process.
To further combat malnutrition and improve food security, the Government has introduced fortified rice under various schemes like the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) and PM Poshan. J&K has also implemented this initiative, ensuring fortified rice reaches all districts under Targeted Public Distribution System.
The cancellation of fake ration cards in J&K marks a significant milestone in ensuring that food security programs benefit only the rightful beneficiaries, reflecting the Government’s commitment to accountability and efficiency.
These reforms are expected to strengthen food security and enhance the transparency of welfare programs in J&K while ensuring that no eligible family is deprived of Government support.
