The Department of Food and Public Distribution has taken a big decision and decided to change the standards for the eligible people taking ration from government ration shops. It is expected that the new standards will be implemented this month, on the basis of which eligibility will be decided in future.
In this regard, there have been several rounds of meetings with the states and the format for changing the standard is almost finalized.
According to the Department of Food and Public Distribution, at present, 80 crore people across the country are taking advantage of the National Food Security Act (NFSA). However, there are many among them who are financially prosperous. Keeping this in mind, the Ministry of Public Distribution is going to make changes in the standards.
Why are changes happening
In this regard, Sudhanshu Pandey, Secretary, Food and Public Distribution Department, said that for the last six months, meetings are being held with the states regarding the change in the standards. Incorporating the suggestions given by the states, new standards are being prepared for the beneficiaries. These standards will be finalized this month. After the implementation of the new standards, only eligible persons will get the benefit.
One Nation, One Ration Card Scheme
As per the Department of Food and Public Distribution, till now the 'One Nation, One Ration Card (ONORC) scheme' has been implemented in 32 states and UTs till December 2020. About 69 crore beneficiaries i.e. 86 percent of the population coming under NFSA are taking advantage of this scheme. Every month about 1.5 crore people are taking benefits by moving from one place to another.
