Maharashtra Govt Revives Crackdown On Ineligible Ration Cards, Focus On Foreign Nationals

After a four-year hiatus, the state government has revived the special drive against ineligible ration card holders, with a special focus on finding out foreign nationals, who illegally procure the document. The move assumes significance as it aligns with a similar drive against those Bangladeshi nationals, who fraudulently obtain birth certificates from the local authorities.

The government has asked the officials to ensure that no foreigners are allotted a ration card or given one in future. Special thrust is being given in urban areas to find out such ineligible beneficiaries. The drive will also focus on people having more than one ration card. The government has also asked the officials to seek the assistance of the local police if they find proof submitted by the card holders suspicious. 

The government has directed the officers to publish the 'Group A' list containing the names of the valid cardholders. Simultaneously, a 'Group B' list will have the names of beneficiaries whose cards have been suspended within the given period. They will be given 15 days to submit papers, proving their eligibility and the cards will be cancelled upon non-compliance.

The cardholders can submit any one of the following documents as proof of residence; rent receipt, documents of the ownership of the residential premises, details of the LPG connection, bank passbook, power bill, telephone or mobile bill, driving license, voter ID and Aadhaar card.

The crackdown on ineligible ration cards was a routine feature since 2012, however, it was halted in 2021 due to administrative reasons, as cited by the state government. A government resolution (GR) issued on Friday says every year, a drive will be undertaken from April 1 to May 31 to find ineligible ration card holders.

A copy of the GR has been forwarded to the senior officers from the home department and the police.