TNN | Jan 22, 2015, 01.13PM IST
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Chief minister Oommen Chandy said here on Wednesday that the government had decided to remove the complexities involved in filling application forms for new ration cards. The government has decided to bring 54 lakh more people in the state under the scheme to provide one kg rice for Re 1.
"We are exploring the possibility of producing just the Aadhaar number for families belonging to the non-priority sector while filling applications. The cabinet will take a decision soon," Chandy told reporters after the cabinet meeting.
As per the new decision, there will be only two categories of ration cards; the priority and the non-priority sector instead of the above poverty line and the below poverty line cards. For the non-priority sector (APL), there will be no need for entering all details and just the Aadhaar number will do. This will be possible as all basic details of individuals are available in Aadhaar.
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However, since the priority sector gets many benefits, including the Re 1/kg rice, individuals will have to provide certain details. However, these will also be simplified while steps will be taken to end the delay in taking photographs. The government has given instructions to provide more cameras in booths set up for taking new ration cards.
To help senior women citizens, it has been decided that they can authorize the next immediate senior woman in the family to apply for the ration card. The government will also provide ample time for people to apply for new cards though a specific time period has been given now.