These individuals will now be shifted to the non-priority category with the white card. This action comes after a detailed statewide verification process.
Published Dec 03, 2024 | 2:23 PM ⚊ Updated Dec 03, 2024 | 2:23 PM
A ration shop in Kerala. (iStock)
In a move seemingly aimed at streamlining the Public Distribution System (PDS) in Kerala, the Food and Civil Supplies Department of the state excluded approximately 60,000 individuals from the priority ration card category, sources said on Tuesday, 3 December.
Officials revealed that the affected cardholders, primarily under the yellow and pink card categories, were removed due to non-utilisation of ration supplies for three consecutive months, non-collection of Onam kits and failure to muster the cards.
These individuals will now be shifted to the non-priority category with the white card. This action comes after a detailed statewide verification process.
The department stated that the exercise was in line with the Union government’s mandate for regular mustering of yellow and pink cardholders to ensure equitable ration distribution.
Despite extending the mustering deadlines several times, a significant number of individuals failed to comply, prompting their reclassification.
Additionally, more than 4,000 blue cardholders who have not purchased ration supplies in recent months have been reassigned to the white card category.
Authorities noted that the absence of mustering and ration collection likely stems from ineligibility or the deaths of some cardholders.
Further, officials highlighted that over 800 priority cardholders who availed of the government-distributed Onam kit last year did not collect it this year. These individuals have also been shifted to the non-priority category.
Similarly, yellow cardholders who did not claim the Onam kit this year were removed from the list of priority beneficiaries.
The department emphasised that the initiative seeks to retain priority benefits only for those who genuinely require them, ensuring a fairer allocation of resources.
Meanwhile, officials said that eligible individuals seeking reinstatement to the priority category can apply until 10 December.
Applications can be submitted online through the Citizen Portal or at Akshaya centres, which will be verified by district supply officers and include eligible families in the priority category
(Edited by Muhammed Fazil.)
