Biometric cards for all blocks in Rayagada

Koraput: Successful implementation of biometric ration cards in some parts of Odisha's Rayagada district has prompted the administration to extend the scheme to all 11 blocks.

It has come in handy in identifying fake ration cards and checking pilferage of public distribution system (PDS) items, sources said.

At present, the biometric ration cards are being used in Rayagada municipal area, Gunupur and Gudari notified area councils and six panchayats of Rayagada block. So far 7,775 bogus ration cards have been identified. It saves around 1,900 quintal of rice a month, sources said.

"The biometric ration cards check sell of PDS items on the black market. So, the items reach the real beneficiaries," said civil supplies officer (Rayagada) Ajit Kumar Patro.

"After introduction of biometric ration cards, the fake ration card holders have stopped coming to the fair price shops," he said.

An awareness campaign will be launched to make the beneficiaries aware of the benefits of a biometric card before implementing the scheme across the district, he said.

The state government had launched the scheme in Rayagada on a pilot basis on August 18, 2010, in association with the World Food Programme (WFP). After initial hiccups, the scheme was finally implemented in January 2013.

"At the time of the launch, a biometric card carried only the fingerprints of the card holder. His family could not collect grains in his absence. It was rectified and fingerprints of all members of a family included in the card," Patro added.