Patna: A review by the district supply task force revealed that out of 207,313 ration cards that have come under the lens, only 102,588 were processed till date. Presiding over the meeting on Tuesday, Patna district magistrate (DM), Thiyagarajan S M, directed sub-divisional officers (SDO) to engage block-level officials to immediately verify the remaining 104,725 cards to ensure only eligible beneficiaries remain in the system.It was highlighted in the meeting that there were backlogs in new ration card applications. As many as 7,910 online requests for processing of ration cards were pending, while 5,728 were under process. The DM instructed officials to expedite the disposal of 13,638 pending applications. He said, “All new card holders must receive their grain allotments without delay.”To maintain transparency of the Public Distribution System (PDS), the administration ordered their regular inspection and raids on fair price shops to verify that beneficiaries receive the benefits. The SDOs were also directed to take action against defaulting vendors and submit an action taken report (ATR) weekly.The DM also emphasised the importance of transparency and accountability in lifting and distribution of foodgrains from the godowns to the consumers.
