Ration Card Crackdown in the district: Authorities Target Ineligible Card Holders.

Chamoli: In the district Chamoli, a sweeping ration card verification campaign has been launched, under the instructions of District Magistrate Gaurav Kumar.

The initiative, part of a state-wide drive, aims to ensure that only eligible families benefit from government welfare schemes while tackling issues such as duplicate ration cards, misuse of Ayushman health cards, and fraudulent gas connections.

District Supply Officer Ankit Pandey confirmed that teams have been mobilised at district, tehsil, block, and urban levels to expedite the process. He highlighted concerns in border regions where families have been found claiming benefits from two states simultaneously. In line with central government directives, ration cards are now subject to re-verification every five years, alongside mandatory e-KYC checks for all beneficiaries.

Officials have appealed to residents to cooperate fully with the campaign. Families identified as ineligible are being urged to voluntarily surrender their ration cards to local offices, Gram Panchayats, or supply centres. Authorities have warned that those found misusing the system will face legal action under the National Food Security Act 2013 and the Essential Commodities Act.