The Uttar Pradesh government may reportedly be moving to cancel more than 16.67 lakh ineligible ration cards as part of efforts to curb potential misuse of the free ration scheme.
The initiative allegedly targets cardholders suspected of not meeting the scheme’s strict income and asset criteria, such as vehicle owners, income tax payers, and large landholders.
While department officials are said to be conducting verification drives, no official order confirming immediate cancellation has been publicly released, and verification is reportedly ongoing.
Who Might Be Affected?
According to government rules, Antyodaya Ration Cards are meant for families living below the poverty line, while regular household ration cards are given to those earning less than ₹3 lakh a year in urban areas and less than ₹2 lakh in rural areas.
However, a recent data check by the Government of India, which matched ration card details with records from the Income Tax Department, Transport Department, GST, and PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi, found several irregularities.
As per a Jagran report, around 9.96 lakh ration cardholders were found to be income tax payers. Additionally, 4.74 lakh cardholders own cars or other light motor vehicles, 1.89 lakh farmers hold more than five acres of land, 6,775 have GST registrations, and 308 people even have heavy or cargo vehicles registered in their names.
Ongoing Verification and Official Remarks
According to sources, the Food and Logistics Department is currently verifying the lists derived from central government data, and has stated that individuals found ineligible may face cancellation of their cards following due process.
Regional officers reportedly mentioned that in some districts, thousands of cards belonging to GST payers, vehicle owners, and those with high annual incomes are reportedly under review; however, these individuals are said to have a chance to present eligibility documents before final decisions are made.
Officers caution that outcomes may change based on the scrutiny’s findings, and calls for further official guidelines have surfaced.
Context: Data Matching and Rumours
Widespread speculation about this crackdown surfaced after the central government’s data-matching exercise reportedly flagged a large number of affluent and business-owning ration card holders.
In Sitapur district alone, media reports suggest that more than 4,000 ration cards may be subject to cancellation following the verification process.
Awareness campaigns and warnings are ongoing, but some observers note that not all allegations have been confirmed, and modifications to beneficiary lists may depend on further investigation results.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
While these reported efforts to verify and potentially revoke ineligible ration cards point towards a desire for fairness in welfare distribution, it is essential that authorities act with caution and transparency.
Any action should ensure genuine beneficiaries are not harmed due to administrative errors or misinformation. Constructive community oversight and clear communication from officials can help prevent unnecessary distress.
