New Delhi: Central Government is all set to implement ”one nation, one ration card” system throughout the country before June 30, 2020. Centre issued deadlines for implementation of “One Nation, One Ration Card” plan without fail to all states and UT’s by June 30, 2020.
Talking to the media in New Delhi, Food Minister Ram Vilas Paswan said that the portability of Public Distribution System (PDS) entitlements is already being providing in 10 states. These 10 states are Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Haryana, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Kerala, Maharasthra, Rajasthan, Telangana and Tripura.
To meet the deadline issued by Central Government, “One Nation, One Ration Card” has to be implemented by all states and UT’s by June 30, 2020. Under this scheme beneficiaries can buy foodgrains at subsidised rate from ration shops anywhere in the country. This program will help the beneficiaries in getting subsidised foodgrains from ration shops anywhere in the country. Currently with their existing ration card beneficiaries can only buy from their local ration shops.
Mr Paswan said “By next June 30, 2020, ”one nation, one ration card” should be implemented without fail in the entire country. We have written letters to the state government to fast track the implementation of this system.”
The new scheme will be very helpful for the poor people as many times they change their place in search of job or due to other reasons. This scheme will ensure that no poor people are deprived of PSD entitlements even if they move on to other location for various reasons.
Mr. Paswan further added that this will also remove fake ration card holders.
According to Mr Paswan currently there are 11 states where this system (PDS portability) has been implemented within their states as Point of Sale (PoS) machines. These 11 states including Tamil Nadu, Punjab, Odisha and Madhya Pradesh are using Point of Sale (PoS) machines at all ration shops.
Mr. Paswan further said that the implementation of “One Nation, One Ration Card” throughout the country is part of 100-days agenda of the Modi 2.0 government.
The National Food Security Act is being implemented by Government since November 2016, under this scheme foodgrains are supplied every month at subsidised rate to over 80 crore people in the country. Under this scheme Government is giving foodgrains to poor people at a rate of Rs. 1-3 per Kg.