J'khand Food Minister admits issuance of false ration cards

Ranchi, Mar 15 (UNI) Admitting the issuance of ration cards fraudulently and ''flaws'' in the Public Distribution System (PDS) in Jharkhand, state Food and Supply Minister Kamlesh Minister today said a vigilance committee would be constituted to find out the loopholes in the department.

In the special debate on price hike, Mr Singh said the government had information of about 6,99,168 such false ration cards, and about 3,47,700 of these had been cancelled.

Referring to 2001 census, Mr Singh said total number of families in the state was 44,42,953, whereas the total number of cards issued was about 50,69,633.

Mr Singh said the number of families living below poverty lines was 23,94,000.

Expressing concern over the blackmarketing of kerosene and other items distributed under PDS system, Mr Singh said the government would soon form a vigilance committee to keep tab over the system.

He said the government would also seek advice from the MLAs in this regard.

UNI