Chatra fines affluent ration card holders ₹45.66 lakh

The Chatra district administration has fined 54 individuals a total of ₹45.66 lakh for holding ration cards, which they are not eligible for. This enforcement action took place on Thursday and is part of an effort to address misuse in the public distribution system (PDS). Authorities found that many of these individuals owned expensive items like concrete houses and vehicles, or were government employees. Deputy Commissioner Ramesh Gholap stated that these ineligible cardholders are taking food meant for low-income families. This misuse has limited the ability to add new beneficiaries to the program. Currently, the PDS cannot issue new cards or add eligible families because of the lack of available slots. Gholap emphasized that this situation is depriving genuinely poor families of their rightful benefits. District Supply Officer Maninder Bhagat reported that violations were found across several blocks, including Chatra, Pratappur, and Itkhori. The names of those who violated the rules have been removed from the beneficiary list. Individuals who have ineligible ration cards must surrender them by April 5 to avoid legal action. They can return their cards at either the district supply office or their block offices. After this process, new ration cards will be issued to families in genuine need. This initiative aims to ensure that the PDS effectively serves its intended beneficiaries.