The Odisha government announced that ration cards will now be issued based on income levels rather than income tax filings.
According to Food Supply and Consumer Welfare Minister Krushna Chandra Patra, individuals with a monthly income of ₹10,000 in rural areas and ₹15,000 in urban areas will not be eligible for ration cards.
Minister Patra emphasized that there is an income tax exemption of up to ₹5 lakh per year, and those filing zero income tax returns will not have their ration cards deducted on that basis. Instead, the verification process will involve housing department officials conducting door-to-door checks to ensure compliance with central guidelines.
Key Points:
- Income-Based Eligibility: People with a monthly income exceeding ₹10,000 in rural areas and ₹15,000 in urban areas will not receive ration cards.
- Verification Process: Officials will visit homes to verify incomes and ensure adherence to guidelines.
- No Immediate Card Cuts: Ration cards will not be cut or rice stopped without proper inspection.
- March 31 Deadline: All verification processes must be completed by this date; excluded poor individuals can apply for re-verification.
- Voluntary Surrender: Affluent individuals with ration cards are urged to surrender them voluntarily.
Minister Patra reassured that no poor person would be deprived of ration cards due to this verification process. The government aims to ensure that only those truly in need receive assistance through ration cards.
