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New Delhi : To ensure coverage of all eligible identified persons from the most vulnerable and economically weakest sections of population under National Food Security Act (NFSA) assumes importance in view of current pandemic scenario of Covid-19. Accordingly, the Department of Food and Public Distribution on June 2, 2021, issued an advisory to all States/UTs to launch a special drive to reach out, identify, and issue NFSA ration cards to the most vulnerable and economically weakest sections of the population in urban and rural areas by utilising the available coverage under their respective NFSA limits.
The Department has called upon States/UTs to take measures to reach out to vulnerable and weakest sections of the society i.e. street dwellers, ragpickers, hawkers, rickshawpullers among others.The operational responsibilities of identification of eligible persons/households under NFSA and issuance of ration cards to them rests with States/UTs, according to a PIB release. All the States/UTs are requested to furnish a fortnightly Status report to this Department.
The States/UTs may be aware that during the current scenario pandemic of Covid-19, there are several reports/grievances through Media, newspapers, NGOs, individuals stating that vulnerable and weakest sections of the society i.e. street dwellers, ragpickers, hawkers, rickshawpullers, migrant labours etc. , who are in dire need of foodgrains, are unable to procure ration cards, the Department of Food and Public Distribution said. It is felt that some of the poor and needy people, who also may not have address proof, may be finding it difficult to obtain a ration card, the department said.