Srinagar: In what could be one of the biggest food scams in the state, the Jammu and Kashmir government has identified over 11 lakh fake ration cards, which has nearly paralysed the public distribution system.
The massive fraud came to light during verification of ration cards which began after implementation of the National Food Security Act.
"We have eradicated 11 lakh bogus ration cards and saved 5,500 quintals of ration per month" said Choudhary Zulfikar, the state food minister.
But the people who are dependent of subsidized grains to feed their families allege the ration depots were either running dry or offering very little ration.
60-year-old Zoona Begum who has a 10-member family in Srinagar said they were getting 30 kg rice a month, much less than their entitlement.
"They don’t even give 5 kilos. They are giving 4 kilos a person. Many of us don't have even ration cards. Today they are distributing sugar after 3 months" she said.
Her neighbor Taiq Ahmad alleged there was no transparency in the public distribution system.
"People who are supposed to a kilo for Rs. 3 are getting it for Rs. 10 a kilo," he said.
Government officials said that over 11 lakh fake beneficiaries of subsidised ration have been detected during verification process and there could be many more such fake beneficiaries. It is now issuing new ration cards after proper screening.
But so far no one has been arrested in the food scam.
"We have started distribution of ration cards to all 26 lakh families. As of now we have issued 8 lakh cards" said Mr. Zulfikar.
The massive fraud came to light during verification of ration cards which began after implementation of the National Food Security Act.
"We have eradicated 11 lakh bogus ration cards and saved 5,500 quintals of ration per month" said Choudhary Zulfikar, the state food minister.
But the people who are dependent of subsidized grains to feed their families allege the ration depots were either running dry or offering very little ration.
60-year-old Zoona Begum who has a 10-member family in Srinagar said they were getting 30 kg rice a month, much less than their entitlement.
"They don’t even give 5 kilos. They are giving 4 kilos a person. Many of us don't have even ration cards. Today they are distributing sugar after 3 months" she said.
Her neighbor Taiq Ahmad alleged there was no transparency in the public distribution system.
"People who are supposed to a kilo for Rs. 3 are getting it for Rs. 10 a kilo," he said.
Government officials said that over 11 lakh fake beneficiaries of subsidised ration have been detected during verification process and there could be many more such fake beneficiaries. It is now issuing new ration cards after proper screening.
But so far no one has been arrested in the food scam.
"We have started distribution of ration cards to all 26 lakh families. As of now we have issued 8 lakh cards" said Mr. Zulfikar.