HYDERABAD: The civil supplies department made tall claims that all new applications for food security cards would be verified and processed by April this year. Three months have gone since the deadline ended and the department is not even close to finishing the process. Till date, they have approved a meagre 61 applications. Between January and July 2018, the department received 38,278 applications of which it managed to process just 1,703.
Food security cards are meant for people living below the poverty line. Currently, there are 5,57,072 beneficiaries in Hyderabad who buy rice from 831 fair price shops. After putting the process on hold for seven long months, the department has just started to accept applications for the food cards. Now, it has to cross-check the applications and a database needs to be created.
Surprisingly, the department has decided to stop issuing the cards to those who drive a four-wheeler, including drivers who own their own vehicles. The department claims this provision is there because those owning 4-wheelers are rich and need no subsidies. But, drivers say their vehicle is for livelihood, it doesn’t mean they are rich.
E Chandra Shekar, a resident of Krishna Nagar in Yousfguda is one such victim to the new rule. “Our ration card was cancelled a year ago because we have a four wheeler vehicle. The vehicle is for a livelihood that supports the entire family. Now, there is no scope for our issue to be resolved as the officials are adamant,” he said.
According to officials, the district CSD received about 38,278 new applications in the last seven months and still, the new applications process is going on in all Meeseva centres. Officials have admitted to delaying the process for approving the applications, attributing it to a lack of infrastructures and equipment.
Meanwhile, a proposal for funds has been sent to higher authorities. “For those whose FSC cards have been cancelled, they can re-submit their economic status to avail benefits and prove their case. Details of those beneficiaries would be re-checked,” an officer said.
