Distribution of Digital Ration Cards to Kick Off from Jan 28

Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Minister Sanjay Dasburma said that Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik will be distributing digitized ration cards to beneficiaries in Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation and Bhubaneswar block on Jan 28.

Under the National Food Security Act (NFSA), the digitizing ration cards was initiated in the state. A function will be held at Chokeisiani in Ward No 5 of BMC, where Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik will start the distribution of  digitized ration cards to beneficiaries.

The Minister informed that around 1.86 lakh beneficiaries will get digitized ration cards in BMC and Bhubaneswar block. He added that the process of applying for ration cars would be started in other districts from Jan 28 and the process will continue till August 15. Prior to the rollout of NFSA,  identification would be carried out on the principles of exclusion criteria.

After Bhubaneswar, the process of applying for digitized ration cards will start in other districts from tomorrow. Under NFSA, there are eight notified exclusion criteria. And, all the eligible citizens can apply for the rations cards by filling up application. Upon submission of application, they will get four digit acknowledgement numbers. Registration forms shall be available at registration centres at gram panchayat in rural areas and at the level of wards in urban areas.