Minister for Food and Civil Supplies U.T. Khader has said that directions have been issued to Fair Price Shops to install biometric devices within the next two months.

Addressing reporters here yesterday, he said that biometric proof would be in addition to the coupon system to distribute rations under the Public Distribution System (PDS). “Any family member in a card holder’s family can give biometric proof to collect rations. Aged and unwell persons may get the coupon numbers on their mobile phones to get their quota through their assistants,” he added. The Minister said that the rule to install biometric devices would be relaxed in tribal places and remote villages where power supply is a problem.

“We have not made it mandatory to obtain coupons. Card holders can get coupons through their mobile phones and visit the PDS store to get rations. Those who are not able to get it can go to the store directly and get rations,” he said.

He said that the system was prepared to dispense rations either with the coupons or without them and cardholders need not worry in case they could not   get the coupons.

Food and Civil Supplies Department Secretary Harsh Gupta said that the cost of biometric devices should be borne by shop owners for which bank loans would be available. To meet the cost, the Government would give more commission to shop owners, he added.
Gupta said that if the card holders are deprived of rations for any reason, they can lodge a complaint by calling *161# and giving the Aadhaar number provided in the rations card. Those who have not got the rations would get ‘food compensation,’ he said.