SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir Government has said no eligible and deserving family has been left uncovered under the Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY), with all eligible beneficiaries enrolled in the department’s ration-card database under the existing rules.
The government made the disclosure in response to an unstarred question by MLA Mir Mohammad Fayaz in the Legislative Assembly.
According to the reply, no district-wise reports have been received regarding eligible families or beneficiaries being left out or remaining uncovered under AAY. The department said it was continuing efforts to identify and include any eligible household or beneficiary that may have been left out of the Public Distribution System.
The government said the criteria for inclusion and exclusion of beneficiaries under AAY have been notified through S.O. 389 dated November 16, 2021, and are being implemented in coordination with the district administration.
Verification and identification of families and beneficiaries is a continuous exercise undertaken by the department in accordance with the notified criteria, it said.
The government also said that, based on reports received, there are currently no eligible families deserving AAY ration cards who remain uncovered.
A mechanism for dealing with public appeals relating to ration-card matters has also been notified through S.O. 41 dated January 19, 2023.
Under the mechanism, the Tehsil Supply Officer has been designated as the competent authority for ration-card-related matters within the concerned rationing area, including addition or deletion of members, correction of particulars and change of beneficiary category.
The government said a time limit of not more than 30 days has been prescribed for disposal of such claims and appeals.
The reply also stated that the department continues to verify beneficiaries to ensure eligible households are brought under the PDS in accordance with the prescribed criteria.
