Will reduce rations, says centre: Stalled mustering of cardholders to start from tomorrow

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Ration mustering will resume in the state from tomorrow following the central government's ultimatum. The eKYC of ration beneficiaries will be renewed sector-wise from 18th to October 8. The guidelines were issued by the Commissioner of Public Distribution and Consumer Affairs.

The Centre's ultimatum is that if the mustering is not completed by October 31, there will be a reduction in foodgrain allocation and subsidy for the government.

The mustering was stopped on March 17 due to a malfunction in the server of the state IT mission. All members of the yellow and pink card must do mustering.

1.54 crore to be mustered

As many as 1.54 crore members from 41.38 lakh yellow and pink card holders are yet to muster. The mustering will be completed when the members of the card press their finger on the e-pose. Mustering of 45.87 lakh people had been done till March 17.

Mustering should be done at home for bedridden patients

1. Camps should be organized at convenient places such as schools, anganwadis, etc. on the allotted days.
2. Taluk Supply Officers should take care to make arrangements in such a way that the distribution of ration is not disrupted while mustering in ration shops.
3. Mustering should be done at the homes of bedridden patients, physically and mentally challenged people etc.
4. Taluk Supply Officers should submit the final report to the District Supply Officers on October 9.

Mustering Dates

• September 18-24: Thiruvananthapuram district
• October 1: Kollam, Alappuzha, Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Idukki, Ernakulam and Thrissur
• October 3-8: Palakkad, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur, Malappuram and Kasaragod

Not applicable to blue and white cardholders

• The mustering starting tomorrow will not be applicable to the members of the white and blue ration cards. Mustering dates for them will be announced later.
• The food minister's office said that maximum number of mustering can be done in ration shops itself
• Those temporarily residing in other states or other districts can do mustering at any ration shop there.