Shillong, April 4: Food and Civil Supplies Minister Comingone Ymbon has launched Mission Mode Project for Aadhaar seeding of ration cards as the coverage is only 49.61%.
The absence of Aadhaar seeding with ration cards will lead to deprivation of ration facilities to the ration card holders.
Out of 21,45,096 beneficiaries, only 10,64, 264 have Aadhaar seeding.
The lowest is in Nongstoin, West Khasi Hills with 38.16% and the highest is in Dadenggre Civil Sub Division in West Garo Hills(65.68%)
Addressing a press conference on Friday, the minister said the Centre has given deadline till June 30 this year to complete 100% Aadhaar seeding.
He said Aadhaar seeding will enhance transparency and efficiency in food distribution.
Seeding will also eliminate duplication, ensure rightful distribution, and prevent misuse besides ensuring accountability by removing ghost beneficiaries.
“We want to ensure that food grains reach the most deserving families-farmers, daily wage earners, and mothers in rural and urban Meghalaya”, he said.
The Deputy Commissioners, Sub-Divisional Officers, and Block Development Officers have been asked to lead in the implementation at local levels.
The 4,500 fair price shop dealers will act as seeding hubs for beneficiary enrolment.
The minister said he will appeal to church, traditional heads and community leaders to achieve the target by spreading awareness at the grassroots level.
The government is also adopting multi-pronged strategy including radio broadcasts, hoardings, flyers, mobile vans, and personal outreach.
Ration cardholders have been asked to visit their nearest Fair Price Shop, Block Office, or District Supply Office with their Aadhaar cards from April 14.
The minister is confident that Meghalaya will be able to achieve 100% Aadhaar seeding through coordinated efforts.
