Govt introduces 'smart card' in Warangal

Vijayawada, July 10 (UNI) As a pilot project, the Andhra Pradesh government has recently introduced 'smart card' in Warangal district in order to check irregularities in pension distribution, state Rural Development Minister G Chinna Reddy said today.

Addressing a press conference here he said based on its success, the government would implement the smart card system across the state in a phased manner.

Till now the old age poor people in Indiramma Adarsha Gramalu villages were taking the pension through cash. Under the smart card system, the money would be given after taking the thumb impression from them, the Minister added.

Mr Reddy said in the first phase in Indiramma Gramalu scheme, about 31 lakh old age poor people had received pensions of Rs 200 in the last three years, and added the government had spent about Rs 1,000 crore towards it.

The Minister said the state government was according top priority for rural development. The state government had constructed houses to poor people, provided white ration cards and drinking water facilities, schools in villages and power connection for every house in Indiramma villages, he added.

The Minister was here to participate in a review meeting with the rural development officials of Krishna, Prakasam and Guntur districts.

UNI