Bihar CM directs officials to expedite issuance of 1 crore new ration cards

Patna, Jul 9 (PTI) Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary on Thursday directed officials to expedite the issuance of one crore new ration cards to eligible beneficiaries across the state. Union Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution Minister Pralhad Joshi and the CM jointly chaired a comprehensive review meeting here to assess various departmental schemes and the functioning of PDS in the state. Choudhary directed officials concerned to prepare a "comprehensive and updated database of beneficiaries under all departmental schemes to ensure that eligible persons receive government welfare benefits in a timely and transparent manner". A statement issued by the Chief Minister's Office (CMO) said, “The CM instructed officials to expedite the issuance of one crore new ration cards." Bihar currently has more than 1.78 crore ration cardholders. Those present in the meeting focused on making the "food security system more effective, transparent and technology-driven", it said. They reviewed the implementation of the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana and emphasised developing smart warehousing to modernise the food grain storage system. Detailed discussions were held on the "Sarthak PDS" model, its various modules, technological framework and cost-sharing mechanisms, the CMO statement said. The CM instructed officials to ensure regular and effective monitoring of the ration distribution system so that every eligible beneficiary receives foodgrains with dignity and without any interruption. He also appreciated Bihar's performance in the online public distribution system (PDS) and directed officials to continue strengthening the mechanism, it said. Choudhary said that implementing Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of "Garib Kalyan with Dignity" on the ground with full commitment is the state government's highest priority. He directed that special attention be paid to the quality, safety and maintenance of all food grain warehouses in the state to ensure secure storage and make the PDS more robust and reliable. The CM also instructed officials to ensure uninterrupted electricity supply and all essential basic facilities at every warehouse. He said that the department should work in coordination and achieve its targets expeditiously in line with the suggestions received from the central government, the statement said. The chief minister expressed gratitude to Joshi for visiting Bihar, reviewing the implementation of various schemes and assuring continued support for the state's development. PTI PKD BDC