5.6 Lakh People Above 100 Years Identified in Food Security Scheme

The Government of India has recently highlighted some fascinating findings from its verification process of beneficiaries under the national food security scheme. According to a data, presented in the Rajya Sabha by the Food and Consumer Affairs Minister, Pralhad Joshi, approximately 5.6 lakh individuals over 100 years old have been identified as beneficiaries of the scheme. This data was uncovered through an extensive e-KYC verification process, which aims to ensure that only eligible individuals receive government aid.

An Overview of the Food Security Scheme

The food security programme, which includes several sub-schemes, plays a vital role in providing subsidised food to the underprivileged sections of society. Notably, the Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) provides 35 kg of free food grains per month to the poorest families. For families with a single member, 35 kg of grains is allotted monthly, while other families may receive different amounts based on their eligibility.

Additionally, the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY) ensures that each registered beneficiary receives 5 kg of free food grains per month. While the programme targets low-income individuals, discrepancies in the beneficiary lists have surfaced during the verification process.

Key Findings from the e-KYC Verification

According to a news report, the verification process, which employed the use of Aadhaar data, revealed some significant findings. A notable discovery was the identification of nearly 34 lakh PMGKAY beneficiaries who were no longer alive. This indicates the need for continued vigilance and regular updates to the list of beneficiaries to avoid errors in allocation.

As per report, another important revelation was that about 45 lakh AAY ration cards had been issued to families consisting of only 2 members. Furthermore, a staggering 33.2 lakh duplicate beneficiaries were identified, underscoring the importance of thorough scrutiny. Around 2.2 crore beneficiaries were also found to be in the ‘silent ration card’ category, which means they had not availed of their ration for periods ranging from three to twelve months.

Progress of the e-KYC Process

As of the latest update, the government has completed the e-KYC verification for 74% of the total 80 crore beneficiaries. This verification is crucial to ensuring that only eligible individuals receive food grains under these schemes. Minister Pralhad Joshi emphasised that the government is committed to cleaning up the beneficiary lists to ensure that deserving families are not deprived of their entitled food resources.

Addressing the Issues of Incorrect Allocations

During the verification process, it was revealed that over 2.1 lakh ration cards had been issued to families with a single member below 18 years of age. The government is also tackling the problem of duplicate beneficiaries, where multiple individuals were found to be registered under the same family or category. Minister Joshi assured that the details of ineligible beneficiaries had been shared with state governments, allowing them to correct the records by removing the duplicates and adding deserving candidates.

State Government’s Role in the Process

It is essential to note that state governments are responsible for issuing ration cards, and they have the flexibility to set their criteria within the prescribed ceiling limits. As of now, nearly 81.4 crore people are eligible for free food grains, with about 80.6 crore already enrolled in the system. The government is aiming to add 80 lakh more beneficiaries, ensuring that those who genuinely require food security are included in the system.

The Broader Picture of Poverty Alleviation

In his address, Minister Joshi also cited World Bank data, which states that between 13 crore and 25 crore people have moved out of multi-dimensional poverty over the past nine years. This data suggests that the food security schemes, along with other poverty alleviation efforts, are contributing to significant improvements in living conditions for many Indians.

Conclusion: A Step Towards Accuracy and Inclusion

The ongoing e-KYC exercise is not just about cleaning up the list of beneficiaries but also about ensuring that food grains reach those who need them the most. While the process has unearthed several discrepancies, the government’s commitment to improving the allocation system is a crucial step in the right direction. With regular updates, a more transparent and efficient food security system will be established, benefiting those who truly require support.

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