Govt makes Aadhaar mandatory for availing subsidised foodgrains from ration shops

The government on Thursday made Aadhaar mandatory for availing subsidised foodgrains from the ration shops with a view to better target Rs 1.4 lakh crore subsidy under the food security law.

After cooking gas LPG, the government on Thursday made Aadhaar mandatory for availing subsidised foodgrains from the ration shops with a view to better target Rs 1.4 lakh crore subsidy under the food security law.

People buying food grain distributed through PDS shop in Ranchi , October 11, 2015. (HT File)

The government has given time to those not having the biometric-based unique identification number to apply for Aadhaar by June 30.

Under the National Food Security Law (NFSA), which was rolled out in November , the government provides 5 kg of foodgrains per person every month at Rs1-3/kg to over 80 crore people.

The notification would come into effect from February 8 in all states and UTs except Assam, Meghalaya and J&K.

The notification has been issued since subsidised foodgrains under PDS and cash transfer of food subsidy under NFSA involves recurring expenditure from the Consolidated Fund of India, an official statement said.

Till Aadhaar is assigned to the beneficiaries, the government said foodgrains would be provided on production of ration card and either Aadhaar enrolment ID slip or copy of his/her request for Aadhaar enrolment