Dehradun: The Uttarakhand Government is preparing to revise the maximum income limits for eligibility under the State Food Scheme (APL) and Antyodaya ration cards. Food and Civil Supplies Minister Rekha Arya has directed officials to prepare a proposal for the revision. She has also instructed the department to release approximately ₹39 crore in pending commissions owed to ration dealers within a week.
During a review meeting, the minister noted that the current income criteria for obtaining ration cards are outdated, making it difficult for many eligible families to qualify. Officials have been directed to form a committee and review the income limits based on suggestions from district supply officers.
Ration Distribution System to Go Fully Online by June 30
Representatives of ration dealers demanded that the commission under the State Food Scheme be increased from ₹50 to ₹180. The minister assured them that a proposal would soon be brought before the Cabinet.
Officials have also been instructed to fully digitize the ration distribution system by June 30. After that, manual registers will no longer be required. Training will be provided to employees on the new software system, and two trainers have been invited from the central government for this purpose.
Pending Payments to Ration Dealers
Following the recent allocation of ₹39 crore from the Central Government, commissions pending since November will be released within one week, providing relief to ration dealers who have been awaiting payment.
Special Arrangements for Char Dham Yatra
In view of the ongoing Char Dham Yatra, all district supply officers have been directed to ensure that three months’ worth of ration supplies are delivered to fair-price shops in advance so that distribution remains uninterrupted.
The minister also reviewed LPG supply arrangements and stated that the availability of both domestic and commercial gas cylinders is normal across the state, with no reports of shortages from any district.
