City to get digital ration cards first: State to HC

Public prosecutor P A Pol informed the court that the project would be implemented across the state subsequently.

Jayprakash Unecha from Pune had moved the High Court in 2010 alleging that several bogus ration cards were issued in Pune. However,after it was pointed out to the court that Unecha allegedly had a private interest in the case,the court asked the state government to take over the public interest litigation (PIL) and appointed lawyer Shubhada Khot as amicus curie (friend of the court).

In an affidavit filed by D B Jawanjal,foodgrains distribution officer,Pune,it was stated that after the scrutiny undertaken by the state government following the court orders,3,16,064 ration cards in Pune district and city have been cancelled.

The registration of ration card holders on biomentric machines will begin at Pune’s E-zone in Yerawada for the city and at Shirur taluk for the district. “The entire information regarding ration cards will be connected by the internet facility,” the affidavit states.

The affidavit also mentions that Rs 1.86 crore have been sanctioned for the project by the District Planning Committee of Pune. A proposal had been sent to the Food and Civil Supplies Department for formal administrative approval on November 15,2011,the affidavit states.

In April 2011,the court had asked the government to conduct an inquiry into the alleged involvement of government officials in the issuance of bogus ration cards.

Jawanjal has,however,contended that the probe would require at least two more months to be completed. Acceding to the government’s request,Justice P B Majmudar and Justice R D Dhanuka adjourned the case till May 7.