Summary:
Kolkata: In a bid to ensure that foodgrains at subsidised rates reach the actual beneficiaries, the state Food and Supplies department wants people who do not avail the facilities of ration under the National Food Security or State Food Security to surrender their cards. The department will soon commence the application process for issuing non-subsidised foodgrain ration cards to those who do not avail the benefits. The new card will render the old ration cards null and void and foodgrains or kerosene oil cannot be availed. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had announced last month that the state government had decided to issue two categories of ration cards — one to avail of rations and the other a non-foodgrain digital ration card. She had said that many people who do not withdraw ration under the PDS want to retain their ration cards as identity proofs..