Following the instructions of Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi, Chandigarh Administration launched the ‘One Nation, One Ration Card’ on Thursday.
PM Modi had directed that all the UTs to introduce this scheme on priority basis. This enables the beneficiaries to get ration, even when they move to another state or union territory. It is particularly helpful for migrant labourers, who keep moving in search of work. Earlier, without portability of the ration card, they were deprived of their entitlement for ration.
During the official launch, Manoj Parida, advisor to the Administrator, handed over the ration cards to few beneficiaries. Due to Covid-19, only a small event was held. The cards will be delivered to other beneficiaries on the doorstep by government officials.
This new One Nation, One Ration Card introduced by Chandigarh Administration will enable the beneficiaries to get ration money in Chandigarh and Puducherry, where direct benefit transfer (DBT) system is prevailing. If the cardholder migrates to another state, where no DBT is available, they can draw rice, wheat and other ration items from local ration shops.
The Food and Civil Supplies Department of Chandigarh and NIC collaborated to develop the software for new ration cards. The card contains family details and bank account number of beneficiaries. The cardholders can carry it across India.
