TV
In a significant crackdown on illegal activities, the Odisha government on Monday announced stringent measures against foreign nationals who have illegally acquired ration cards under the state’s Public Distribution System (PDS).
The Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Minister, Krushna Chandra Patra, today revealed that several foreign nationals, including those from Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Myanmar, have been found to be in possession of ration cards in Odisha.
The Odisha government has issued clear instructions for immediate action to cancel these ration cards and prevent further misuse.
The Minister stated that the issue came to light after reports emerged indicating that foreign nationals, who had infiltrated the state, were utilizing political influence or other illegal means to acquire ration cards meant for Indian citizens.
"It has been confirmed that several foreign nationals, including Pakistanis, Bangladeshis, and some Myanmar nationals, have fraudulently obtained ration cards in Odisha. This is a serious matter, and we are determined to take action," Minister Patra said in a press briefing.
Instructions Issued To Collectors
Following the identification of these illegal holders, the state government has directed all district Collectors to take swift action and remove the names of foreign nationals from the ration card database.
The Department of Food and Supplies is working in close coordination with local administration units and police authorities to ensure that all such cases are thoroughly investigated and rectified.
"We are committed to ensuring that only eligible Indian citizens benefit from the ration distribution system. Any foreign nationals found with ration cards will have their cards cancelled immediately," the Minister added.
This measure is part of a broader effort to safeguard the integrity of the welfare system, which provides subsidized food grains to vulnerable sections of the population.
District administrations have been instructed to conduct verification drives to cross-check all ration cardholders. The process involves gathering information from panchayat-level representatives, local authorities, and community members. Verification of identity documents, including voter IDs and Aadhaar cards, is being carried out rigorously to ensure that only legitimate citizens are part of the system.
Used Political Influence to Acquire Ration Cards?
The government has also warned that if political pressure or influence is discovered to have played a role in enabling foreign nationals to obtain ration cards, further legal action will be taken.
This move comes on the heels of the government’s ongoing efforts to address security concerns related to foreign nationals residing in the state illegally.
Recently, the Odisha government identified 12 Pakistani nationals and issued them notices to leave the country. The state has also tightened monitoring of border areas to prevent illegal infiltration.
The Minister further informed that the Odisha government is taking all necessary steps to ensure that the state’s welfare programs are exclusively available to legitimate citizens. He further emphasized that the state will continue to monitor the situation closely and take necessary steps to maintain the sanctity of public distribution systems and other government schemes.
