G.R. Anil launches distribution of AAY cards to 15,000 families
The Hindu
Govt. cleanses PDS to improve service delivery & benefit economically-weaker sections. 3.56L priority ration cards distributed, 41K retrieved in Operation Yellow. Inquiry into 13K AAY card holders who haven't collected ration for 6 months. 3rd phase of Thelima project from Nov 15-Dec 15 to submit grievances.
Food and Civil Supplies Minister G.R. Anil has emphasised the government’s efforts to cleanse the public distribution system (PDS) to improve service delivery and ensure greater benefits for economically-weaker sections.
Inaugurating the State-level distribution of Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) cards to 15,000 economically backward families at a function here on Tuesday, Mr. Anil said the government has distributed 3,56,244 priority ration cards since it came into power. These included several priority ration cards that were recovered from ineligible persons.
While 1,64,643 people surrendered cards of their own volition, 41,614 more cards were retrieved during Operation Yellow, in which fines amounting to ₹4.81 crore were imposed on such cardholders, he said.
As part of efforts to identify more priority ration cards that could be provided to eligible persons, the Food and Civil Supplies department has commenced an inquiry into nearly 13,000 AAY card holders who have not collected their ration supplies for at least six months. Besides, around 26,000 beneficiaries had not collected their free Onam kits distributed by the government. Rationing inspectors have been tasked with identifying the circumstances behind such cases, Mr. Anil pointed out.
The Minister also announced the third phase of Thelima project will be held from November 15 to December 15 during which ration beneficiaries will be able to submit grievances and complaints in drop boxes that will be kept in ration outlets.
Transport Minister Antony Raju presided over the function.
No room for complacency till counting is completed, Chandrababu Naidu tells TDP-BJP-JSP contestants. The TDP-BJP-JSP alliance will register a comfortable victory in the general elections over the YSRCP, he says. Alleging that the YSRCP has conspired to create disturbances on the counting day, the TDP national president advises the chief counting agents and their teams to see to it that the officials adhere to norms related to counting.