Ration-card inspectors have sublet the work to private people, who are fleecing public by charging what they like.For transparency in the distribution of subsidised rations to below poverty line (BPL) families, the ration card verification process is on in the state on the directions of the Supreme Court, and the department of food and civil supplies is sending its inspectors door-to-door.
Their job is to make amendments wherever necessary. In Hoshiarpur, however, certain inspectors have left this task to unscrupulous groups.
One such team, charging each card holder Rs 30 for the verification of documents in the city, was forced to pack up when someone called the media after realising that the inspectors didn't have the department's authorisation.
The team failed to give any satisfactory answer to the queries and beat a retreat. Private persons hired by the departmental inspectors are on the job in villages as well. The money they charge varies from place to place.
District food and civil supplies controller (DFSC) Rajnish Kumari denied deputing any private agency for data verification. She said only the member of her staff were authorised to do the work and they had orders to meet the July 31 deadline. "I will look into the matter," she said, adding that almost 45% work was complete.
"Digital ration cards will rule out the misuse of the PDS (public distribution system) stock," she said.
{{/usCountry}}"Digital ration cards will rule out the misuse of the PDS (public distribution system) stock," she said.
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