Dharamsala: As many as 7,514 "fake" ration cards under Public Distribution System (PDS) have been detected in Himachal Pradesh in about two years, Food and
Civil Supplies Minister Ramesh Dhawala told the state Assembly today.
During a special drive, the bogus ration cards were found in the state from January one, 2008 to October 30 this year, Dhawala said, adding that all of them have been cancelled.
The Minister was replying to a question of Congress MLA Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu.
There are currently about 15 lakh ration cards in the state under categories -- APL (Above Poverty Line), BPL (Below Poverty Line) and Antodya, he said.
Of these, maximum 4,923 bogus ration cards were found in Una district while it was 1,170 in Hamirpur, Kangra (997) and Sirmaur (151).
No bogus ration cards were found in Shimla and tribal district of Lahaul and Spiti while there was only one such card in Kinnaur, the minister added.
Dhawala said, during the drive it came to light that even in case of death of the beneficiary or marriage, their names have not been deleted and rations are being lifted illegally.
The minister said drive against bogus ration cards would continue as part of efforts to streamline PDS system in the state.
PTI
