Bhubaneswar, Ap 29: In a significant move to safeguard welfare benefits for genuine citizens, Odisha’s Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Minister, Krushna Chandra Patra, has announced that ration cards unlawfully acquired by foreign nationals will be cancelled with immediate effect.
The action follows reports that individuals from Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Myanmar had allegedly used political influence to gain access to the benefits of India’s Public Distribution System (PDS).
The state government has instructed District Collectors to conduct thorough verification of all ration cardholders and eliminate ineligible names from the system.
Local administrations, in coordination with police forces and panchayat representatives, have launched rigorous identity checks across the state.
Minister Patra has made it clear that strict legal action will be taken against any cases of political interference discovered during the investigation.
The cancellation drive is part of wider efforts to protect the integrity of the PDS and ensure that welfare schemes are not misused.
The state’s vigilance has been notably heightened in recent times, with 12 Pakistani nationals recently being issued notices to leave India.
This latest development underscores Odisha’s commitment to preventing illegal infiltration and the improper use of state resources.
