Odisha Govt Extends Deadline To Surrender Ration Cards

Bhubaneswar: Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Minister Sanjay Das Burma on Saturday said the eligible beneficiaries who have applied for ration card under National Food Security Act (NFSA) would get their cards in one month.

He also informed that the ineligible beneficiaries who have availed ration cards can surrender their cards by September 30.

If they surrender their ration cards within the stipulated time, they would not have to return money to the supplies department. Besides, no criminal action would be initiated against them, he added.

The Odisha government is registering FIRs against ineligible beneficiaries for availing food grains under National Food Security Act. It is also in the process of recovering the food grains allocated to the fake beneficiaries.

“The government would return the penalty amount to the ineligible beneficiaries, who have already surrendered their cards. The government would also withdraw the criminal proceedings against the fake beneficiaries,” said Das Burma.

He also pointed out that the government had effected changes in criteria of owning the three-room pucca house for applicants.

The persons who have availed Biju Pucca house, Indira Awas and Pradhan Mantri Awas can avail foodgrains.