Ration cards to be cancelled if not linked with EPIC

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, Feb 19, 2015 :  The DK district administration on Feb 18 said 11,250 applicants for ration cards have not submitted electoral photo identity proof (EPIC) card details, would not get the cards unless the details are furnished within 15 days.

The administration may cancel another 4,000 above poverty line (APL) cards, fresh as well as renewed, since applicants have not collected them despite reminders from the Department of Food and Civil Supplies through SMS/telephone call.

They may collect the cards either in person or through any family member — aged above 12 — whose biometric details are captured for the card, before February 28.

DK DC  A.B. Ibrahim told media that as many as 77,670 applications had been received for new ration cards, of which only 17,232 are pending for distribution.

Out of these 11,256 applicants had not furnished their EPIC card details and those in Mangaluru informal rationing area may provide their details at MangaluruOne centre, and others in their respective gram panchayats.

After the 15-day deadline ends, the administration would cancel cards of those who have not submitted EPIC details, he said.  Deputy Director of Food and Civil Supplies Sharanabasappa said applicants for APL cards may either give EPIC card details or Aadhaar number to the department. Relevant application forms are available at all 488 fair price shops in the district, which can be used by those who have not registered through SMS.

Further, DK Dc said 6,100 below poverty line (BPL) card-holders in the district were identified for distribution of free domestic LPG connection and necessary orders had been issued.  If they did not obtain the connection before March 31, subsidised kerosene allotment to their cards would be cancelled, he said.

DK DC Ibrahim asked oil companies to take up the issue at the customer relation meets planned by them starting February 23. Such awareness meets would be conducted by every LPG distributor until March 31 at 35 outlets, he said.