Over 8,000 government employees surrender ration cards in 2 days in Odisha

Over 20,000 government employees in Odisha have surrendered their ration cards as of January 31, stated Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Minister, Krushna Chandra Patra on Friday. Notably, more than 8,000 of these surrenders were done in the last two days alone.

The revelation came close after the minister had reiterated the state government’s punitive action warning to ineligible beneficiaries.

Earlier, on January 23, Patra disclosed that around 200 to 300 ineligible persons held ration cards in every block across all 30 districts of Odisha. Further, many of these individuals were reported to be financially well-off government employees.

During that same interaction, he also added that the state government had identified this alarming number of illegal ration card holders and subsequently issued a deadline of January 31 for surrendering the card.

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Notably, the minister had assured that those who comply will not face any trouble, but stern action will be taken against those who continue to hold the cards illegally.

It is worth mentioning that as per the National Food Security Act (NFSA), those earning Rs 15,000 or more a month are considered ineligible for a ration card and are required to surrender them to the government.

ALSO READ: Odisha govt extends ration card e-KYC deadline to Feb 15

Meanwhile, the minister highlighted that the e-KYC process for availing ration cards in Odisha would be completed soon, and eligible beneficiaries would be listed thereafter whereas illegal holders would face action.