PDP Criticises Cancellation of Over 1.27 Lakh Ration Cards in Jammu and Kashmir as Unwarranted

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has criticised the cancellation of over 1.27 lakh ration cards in Jammu and Kashmir, labelling it as unnecessary and harsh. The party urged the government to reconsider this decision. Iltija Mufti, a PDP leader, expressed concern on X, highlighting that these ration card holders are below the poverty line and the cancellation would severely impact many families.

The Centre has cancelled 1,27,872 fake and duplicate ration cards in Jammu and Kashmir since 2013, according to information shared with the Rajya Sabha. In Ladakh, 702 ration cards were also annulled. Minister of State for Consumer Affairs, Food, and Public Distribution, Nimuben Jayantibhai Bambhaniya, disclosed that a total of 5.87 crore ration cards have been cancelled nationwide from 2013 to 2024.

Impact on Families Below Poverty Line

Mufti argued that these cancelled ration cards belonged to families living below the poverty line. She warned that this decision could lead to significant hardship for those affected. In a video posted on X, she pointed out the contradiction between this action and the government's manifesto promise to provide free flour and rice monthly.

Mufti further appealed to the Jammu and Kashmir government to revoke this order immediately. She emphasised that each ration card supports four to five family members, and cancelling them could distress thousands of families. "My humble appeal to the J-K government would be to please do not do this as there are four to five persons of a family on a single ration card," she stated.

Political Reactions

Waheed Para, another PDP leader and MLA from Pulwama, criticised the National Conference's silence on this issue. He suggested it might indicate a strategic agreement with the ruling party. Para questioned the basis for cancelling such a large number of ration cards in Jammu and Kashmir.

Para highlighted that many people received additional rations under the Mufti Mohammad Sayeed Food Entitlement Scheme aimed at combating hunger. He found it surprising that despite claims of increased rations in their manifesto, the government's silence on this critical issue persists.

The PDP's call for action reflects concerns over food security for vulnerable populations in Jammu and Kashmir. The party urges a review of policies affecting those who rely heavily on government assistance for basic needs.