Now, state map to replace Munda on ration cards

Chief Minister Arjun Munda has been caught in a tricky situation over ration cards with the Election Commission announcing the poll dates fo...

Chief Minister Arjun Munda has been caught in a tricky situation over ration cards with the Election Commission announcing the poll dates for Jharkhand.

Last year, Munda had asked the Food and Civil Supplies Department to print more than 40 lakh ration cards for BPL families with his picture on the cover. After the CPI(M) state unit secretary sent a letter to the state CEO demanding its immediate withdrawal, the EC on December 8 directed the government to cancel these cards. Accordingly, the following week, FCSD came out with an advertisement in local dailies — signed by Secretary (FCSD) Mahavir Prasad — saying the cards were being cancelled.

Now the state government is keeping its option open and Prasad has asked the EC to allow it to use these cards by replacing Munda’s picture with a map of Jharkhand. ‘‘The EC’s objection centred around his photograph. It could influence the electorate. But the EC should not have any problem if we use these cards by pasting a sticker on his photograph,’’ said Prasad.

The story so far

		• 2001: FCSD readies plan to print ration cards with state emblem on cover for 23.94 lakh BPL families. • 2003: FCSD floats tender inviting bids to print the cards. Before it awards contract, Babulal Marandi quits as CM. FCSD cancels tender. Soon FCSD floats fresh tender inviting bids to print the cards ‘free’ with advertisements of its sponsors. But it cancels the bid. Fresh tender was notified by the department—this time, under a written directive by Munda to get them printed with his picture on cover. FCSD awards contract to Speedo Print. • 2004: A week after firm supplies cards, CPI-M leader J.S. Majumdar on November 4 sends memorandum to state CEO A.K. Pandey demanding its withdrawal.

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