Sir,

This refers to the recent news item titled “Govt. makes ration card mandatory to obtain Birth and Death Certificates.” I had a ration card (may be 12 years old) with just my deceased wife’s photo. My two daughters (now adults) and my photo was missing.

I took my old ration card to KarnatakaOne to get it updated (that is remove my wife’s name (or designate her as deceased) and get my photo added to the ration card. I was told the ration card is old and is no more valid and I applied for a new ration card with just my name as my two daughters are working in other cities. It is exactly two months and I have not yet received the new ration card.

I wonder why the Government has made ration card compulsory to apply for Birth and Death Certificates when the ration card is not universal and is only helpful for those below poverty line. Why not just stick to the Aadhaar card as it is almost universal and the very purpose of Aadhaar card was to be a single Identity Proof. And also the line for Direct Benefit.

I wonder who the people are that is advising the Government on using the ration card. Now I am sure there will be a rush to obtain ration cards.

How many more years will we need to become an efficient democracy, where things are done right and the elected officials work for the benefit and convenience of the people who voted them to govern.

– George Rego, Mysuru, 1.2.2021

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