Smart Ration Cards being launched in J&K soon, says report

STC NEWS DESK
SRINAGAR, JULY 10 (STC): The Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir soon introducing ‘Smart Ration Cards’ for all its 25.61 lakh ration cardholders. The initiative covers over one crore beneficiaries.
According to official reports, the move is aimed to curb black marketing of the ration. It is expected to streamline access to various government welfare services under one unified platform.
Rifat Kohli, Director of Food, Civil Supplies, and Consumer Affairs, has confirmed that data compilation is currently underway and is likely to be completed within the next few weeks.
“The Smart Card system will be a game changer. It will ensure that beneficiaries receive government services seamlessly, eliminate the need for manual paperwork, and significantly reduce the scope of ration pilferage,” she told reporters.
Notably, the digital cards are part of a broader effort by the UT administration to modernize the public distribution system (PDS), enhance transparency, and improve the delivery of essential commodities such as food grains and LPG.

Once operational, the Smart Card is going to enable users to digitally update personal information, shift ration depots, lodge complaints, and access entitlements, without visiting government offices, an official told media.
“This is a transformative step. The idea is to empower the consumer while strengthening backend checks to prevent black marketing and diversion of resources,” a senior official said.
The department believes that the digital overhaul will not only increase efficiency but also reduce administrative burden and errors.
Officials have said that the Smart Card distribution will commence immediately after data integration is done.
(STC)