Aadhaar checks misuse of PDS rice

HYDERABAD: The Aadhaar biometric project is doing wonders as the government is able to check illegal transportation of rice. Once the rice supply on the basis of Aadhar card is implemented in the entire state, officials said the state would enjoy 10-15 thousand metric tonnes of rice surplus annually.
Presently this project is implemented in Maheswram mandal in Ranga Reddy district under which three categories of card holders (Annapurna, Antyodya Annayojana and white card) are supplied PDS rice.Previously, rice was supplied on presentation of the ration card. As a result, ration dealers used to store rice illegally and some of the families who were close to the dealer used get rice beyond their quota.
Now, with the help of the Aadhaar card the officials have a clear idea on the rice supply to be made to the particular family. “Wastage is controlled. Earlier, the civil supply department used to supply rice and other commodities on the basis of ration card. There was always duplication and ration dealers used to stock rice illegally,” pointed out deputy civil supplies officer B Narasimha Reddy. In Maheswaram mandal where the Aadhaar project was implemented on a pilot basis since February this year, a surplus of 10-15 per cent of the original quota of rice has been recorded.