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Very soon, ration cards (APL cards) can be obtained at just the click of a mouse.

The State Food and Civil Supplies department is working on introducing an online system of issuing ration cards across the State. Under the system, people need not run from pillar to post to locate the local department office to submit an application seeking the card.

Applicants need to just fill in a prescribed application form online and attach a passport-sized photograph. They also have to disclose the Revenue Register (RR) number issued by the respective electricity supply company, like Bescom, while submitting the online application. Online application form will be made available on the department website, officials said.

The department will verify the application, especially authenticity of the RR number. If it is found that no other individual has obtained the ration card using the RR number, the department will immediately give its approval to issue the card, which will be delivered to the applicant at the applicant’s doorstep.

If found that a ration card has been already issued to the particular RR number, the department will undertake an inspection of the property. Based on the genuineness of the application, the decision to issue the card will be taken.

"In other words, a person would have shifted his residence after obtaining the card.
And some other person who would have occupied that place would seek the card. In that case, the old card will be deleted online and a fresh card will be issued to the person who is residing in the address," officials explained.

The proposed system will not only be hassle-free to people, but also help the department prevent duplication. There are several crores of such defunct and bogus ration cards in the State.

Presently, the department is creating a database of RR numbers and verifying the authenticity of ration cards that have been already issued. The online system, which is being developed by National Informatics Centre, Bangalore, will be introduced once the work on RR number database is complete, officials said.

No need for affidavits

The department has issued a circular to all its Deputy Directors offices across the State not to insist people to submit an affidavit along with the application seeking the ration card.

"We have received complaints that some of the offices are demanding affidavits from people. Under the present system, a copy of residential proof and RR number are enough to issue a card," officials said.

A click away

* Govt to introduce online system for issuing ration cards
* Application seeking the card can be submitted online
* Dept officials will hand over the card at your doorstep
* Ration cards will be issued based on the authenticity of RR numbers