Srinagar: In an important digital jump, the center area of Jammu and Kashmir is set to introduce ‘Smart Ration Card’ for all its 25.61 lakh ration card holders, covering the beneficiary population of more than one crore. The initiative is expected to streamline access to various government welfare services under an integrated platform with the aim of curbing ration pilfer and black marketing.
Director of Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs, Rifatkohli, confirmed that data compilation is currently underway and is likely to be completed within the next few weeks. “The smart card system will be a game changer. Will ensure that the beneficiaries will receive government services, which basically reduces the need for manual paperwork, and reduces ration scope.”
Digital cards are part of a comprehensive effort by the UT administration to modernize the public distribution system (PDS), increase transparency and improve the distribution of essential commodities such as food grains and LPG.
According to departmental sources, integration of various apps and backnd systems is in progress to bring all services under a single digital interface. Once operations are operational, the smart card will enable users to digitally update personal information, shift ration depot, lodge complaints and access entitlement without visiting government offices.
A senior official said, “This is a transformative step. The idea is to strengthen the consumer by strengthening the backnd check to prevent black marketing and turn of resources.”
The department currently holds a record for 25,61,028 ration card holders, which covers more than 1.02 crore beneficiaries in Jammu and Kashmir. Officials believe that digital overhaul will not only increase efficiency, but will also reduce administrative burden and errors.
This step has been in line with the broader digital governance push in the UT, after successful implementation of e-PD and biometric certification systems in fair price shops in recent years. A formal rollout date is yet to be announced in recent years, the authorities indicated that smart card distribution will begin immediately after finalizing data integration. (RK)