Delhi government orders probe into irregularities in ration cards

New Delhi: The Delhi government on Friday ordered an inquiry into complaints of irregularities during the transfer of old ration cards to new cards after the implementation of the National Food Security Act, 2013.

Food and Supplies Minister Imran Hussain ordered the inquiry after the verification exercise showed a mismatch in the details mentioned in some cards.

"Following the verification exercise conducted by the Food and Civil Supplies Department, Hussain has directed a thorough inquiry to be conducted within 10 days and responsibility of the officials concerned fixed," an official statement said.

"Vigilance cases will be initiated against those who have committed gross irregularities and FIRs will be filed, if required," it added.

The statement said that the Food and Civil Supplies Department will conduct a door-to-door survey for cross-checking of cards by establishing personal contact with card holders.

Hussain has directed that the exercise should not result in any kind of harassment of card holders.

It has also been directed that during the door-to-door survey, wherever card holders are not found to be genuine, lists must be prepared containing the information including (I) not found residing, (ii) house locked, (iii) address not traceable and (iv) mismatch in names, among others.