Srinagar: The Government of India has cancelled over 1,27,872 fake and duplicate Public Distribution System (PDS) ration cards in Jammu and Kashmir as part of a nationwide drive to eliminate ineligible beneficiaries.
In Ladakh, 702 such ration cards have been removed since 2013.
This effort is aimed at improving the efficiency of food subsidy programs through digitisation, Aadhaar linking, and e-KYC verification.
In response to a query in the Rajya Sabha, Minister of State for Consumer Affairs, Food, and Public Distribution, Nimuben Jayantibhai Bambhaniya, disclosed that 5.87 crore ration cards have been cancelled across India between 2013 and 2024.
Uttar Pradesh recorded the highest number of cancellations with over 1.93 crore, while Mizoram had the lowest at 12,578. Among Union Territories, Delhi led with 3,27,297 cancellations, while Ladakh accounted for the fewest at 702.
In Jammu and Kashmir, Aadhaar seeding of ration cards has nearly reached 100%, enabling authorities to identify ineligible entries caused by reasons like permanent migration, duplicate registrations, and deaths.
Across India, 65% of beneficiaries under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY) have completed e-KYC verification. The central government has urged states and Union Territories, including Jammu Kashmir, to expedite the process to streamline the distribution of food grains to the 80.67 crore people currently covered under PMGKAY.
The government is also addressing food security through the introduction of fortified rice under schemes like the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) and PM Poshan.
Jammu and Kashmir has fully implemented this initiative, ensuring fortified rice is distributed across all districts under the Targeted Public Distribution System.
These measures aim to prevent leakages, ensure food subsidies reach eligible beneficiaries, and enhance the overall effectiveness of welfare programs in the region.
