BILAL AHMED
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Srinagar, Dec 10, KNT: The ration card verification and renewal exercise in Jammu and Kashmir has run into serious difficulties, leaving thousands of consumers distressed, as both online and offline systems meant to facilitate the process remain largely non-functional.
The website launched by the Department of Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs for issuance of new ration cards and verification of existing ones has remained inaccessible for several days, effectively halting online registrations. Simultaneously, the registration process assigned to Anganwadi centres has also come to a standstill in many areas.
The government had recently rolled out a fresh verification drive across the Union Territory, with Anganwadi centres tasked with facilitating registrations at the grassroots level. While supervisors and workers at some centres initially began the process, the exercise was soon discontinued without clear communication to the public.
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Locals allege that Anganwadi centres do not operate on fixed or regular schedules. They said notices regarding registration are often issued at short notice or at times when most people are at work, making it difficult for daily wage earners and salaried employees to participate. “Without advance and consistent information, people cannot abandon their jobs and rush to the centres,” several consumers said.
With the official portal inaccessible and Anganwadi based registration irregular, the disruption has compounded hardships for beneficiaries who depend on ration cards for essential food supplies. Citizens have demanded that Anganwadi centres function daily on fixed timings, on the lines of Aadhaar enrolment centres, to allow people to complete registrations at their convenience.
Insiders warned that unless the technical issues with the website and the operational lapses at Anganwadi centres are addressed immediately, the ration card verification and renewal exercise could face prolonged delays. Consumers have appealed to the authorities to intervene urgently, restore both online and offline systems and ensure a transparent and efficient verification process. [KNT]
