Delhi govt to issue smart card for poor people

Economically weaker sections of the national capital will be issued a smart card by the Delhi government by the end of the year.

Economically weaker sections of the national capital will be issued a smart card by the Delhi government by this year end through which they can avail services of various departments.

The card which will be introduced by the end of this year will cover services of as many as nine departments that include departments of food and civil supplies,labour,education,child and women development,among others, Delhi Chief Secretary Rakesh Mehta said.

Initially,we are planning the cards for about 50 lakh low-income group people so that they could avail themselves of the benefits of various government schemes without facing any hardships, Mehta said,adding this is part of the efforts to make the city a world class destination ahead of the Commonwealth Games.

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He said the card would work like just any other debit card and would be linked with the card holder’s bank account.

Eligible beneficiaries of various government schemes will be able to access the benefits of the schemes without having to face any difficulties, he said.

Bids for the cards will be launched very soon,he said,adding it would take another seven to eight months to introduce the card.

The card,to contain the holder’s photograph,will have biometric data of the user including finger prints and personal details.

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The card could be also used for travelling in government-run public transport.

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