Food and Civil Supplies Minister orders review of eligibility criteria for priority ration cards

Food and Civil Supplies Minister Anoop Jacob has directed officials to revise the eligibility criteria for issuing priority ration cards.

The move is aimed at amending the provisions fixed in the existing order issued in 2017 that governs the eligibility criteria.

According to official sources, the review will examine whether major changes are required in the existing norms related to the ownership of four-wheeler vehicles, the floor area of houses, and the landholding limits for applicants who seek priority ration cards.

The Minister also instructed officials to prepare a feasibility report on a proposal to supply ration grains to remote tribal settlements through mobile ration shops.

In addition, the Minister reviewed the functioning of consumer clubs operating in schools and colleges across the state. The government has set a target of establishing 1,500 consumer clubs to strengthen consumer awareness among students.

The directions were issued during a review meeting attended by senior officials of the Food and Civil Supplies, Legal Metrology, and Consumer Affairs departments, as well as representatives of Supplyco.