Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government on Monday announced a verification drive to identify foreign nationals who have illegally acquired ration cards under the state’s Public Distribution System (PDS).
Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Minister Krushna Chandra Patra said that ration cards issued to the foreign nationals will be cancelled after thorough verification.
Several foreign nationals, including those from Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Myanmar, have been found to be in possession of ration cards in the state, he said, adding that the state government has issued clear instructions for immediate action to cancel these ration cards and prevent further misuse.
“Several foreigners from countries like Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Myanmar, who are suspected to be illegal infiltrators, have managed to obtain ration cards in Odisha. Their cards will be cancelled immediately,” the Minister said.
The state government has directed all district Collectors to take swift action and remove the names of foreign nationals from the ration card database after identification. The department is working in close coordination with local administration units and police authorities to ensure that all such cases are thoroughly investigated and rectified.
“The government is committed to ensuring that only eligible Indian citizens benefit from the ration distribution system. Any foreign nationals found with ration cards will have their cards cancelled immediately,” he added.
Verification of identity documents, including voter IDs and Aadhaar cards, is being carried out rigorously to ensure that only legitimate citizens are part of the system.
This move comes on the heels of the government’s ongoing efforts to address security concerns related to foreign nationals residing in the state illegally.
