Minister for Civil Supplies and Finance Etala Rajender today informed the Assembly that the State government aims to provide a square meal to the needy through his department. However he was cautious to say that stringent measures will be taken with regard to bogus ration cards, he warned during question hour in the Assembly’s budget session.
“We will protect the interests of the poor and cancel the bogus ration cards”, Rajender said, adding there are 2.74 lakh ration card holders, including over 20,000 bogus cards. Removal of the bogus cards will help offer the essential commodities to those who really in need, he said. The government has spent Rs 6,389 crore during 2015-16 under Re 1-a-kilogram fine rice scheme. While the Centre gives 5 kg per head, the State government was giving 6 kg for a person, he pointed out. (NSS)