Verification of Digital Ration Cards from 1st February

The Department of Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs has taken up the work for computerization of various works of Targeted Public Distribution System under e-PDS project. The work on digitization of ration cards based on the detailed information of the families as per Aadhar card number has already been taken up. The digital ration cards would soon be provided after the verification and de-duplication to the consumers.

A Spokesperson of the State Government said here today that most of the ration cards had been digitized and the work on addition/deletion had been started from 1 February, 2016 based on the claims and objections of the people. The lists of the ration card holders would be made available at panchayat ghars in rural areas and at fair price shops in urban areas for verification.

He appealed all the ration card holders to verify their entries at panchayats and fair price shops before collecting the ration. Those consumers, who had not filled up their forms for digitization of ration cards, could apply by visiting panchayats and office of Inspector, Food and Civil Supplies.

He said the process would last upto 29 February, 2016 and the consumers could make a free call on toll free number 1967 for further details.

State becomes 5th in country to implement National Food Security Act

Chief Secretary Shri S Roy said that Himachal Pradesh had become 5th State in the country to implement National Food Security Act by launching” Rajiv Gandhi Ann Yojna” on 20th September, 2013. He was speaking while presiding over the 129th State Level Bankers meeting organised by Convenor UCO Bank here today.

Shri Roy said that all families identified under under Antodaya Ann Yojna, BPL, Social Security Pension and Ann PurnaYojna would be covered under the scheme in the State.

He said that despite global fluctuations, the State economy was fast moving ahead and banks were sharing their responsibilities effectively. The State had attained a milestone on enrolment of Aadhar to facilitate Direct Benefit Transfer Scheme. The coverage of DBT transaction had far been completed in 18517 bank accounts involving benefit to the tune of Rs. 12.95 crore in the State, he added. 

Chief Secretary said that he was happy to learn that the banks had disbursed fresh credit to the tune of Rs. 2783 crore registering 121 per cent achievement of quarterly targets. He said that the State was having strong network of 1678 branches out of 1337 branches were located in rural areas with 1020 ATMs. A revised road map had been prepared to cover all 16640 unbanked villaged for extension of banking services in four years period from 2013 to 2016.

Shri Roy stressed the need for expansion of banking services particularly in rural and far-flung areas so as to cover all unbanked villages. 

Chief Secretary said that the banks should complete all formalities as soon as possible as per guidelines of Reserve Bank of India to make National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM) a success and provide loans to unemployed youths of the state on easy terms and conditions. He directed the banks to achieve the fixed targets under various schemes sponsored by the Government of India and reach out to beneficiaries. 

Shri Arun Kaul Chairman and Managing Director UCO Bank said that banking services in all unbanked villages should be 

provided using various Information & Communication Technology (ICT) models. He said that the State was having one functional FLCC in all the 12 districts and RSETIs had been made functional in 10 districts of the State. 

Dr. Alok Pandey Director, Ministry of Finance, GoI stressed on successful implementation of DBT/DBTL scheme speedily with joint efforts and coordination of all the concerned well before the prescribed time. 

Dr. S.K. Nandi, General Manager UCO Bank requested all banks for achieving the targets fixed under various government sponsored schemes. 

Shri Vineet Chaudhary Additional Chief Secretary, Information Technology, senior officers of the State and representatives of various banks were present in the meeting.