The ration cards in the form of booklets will be made ‘smart’ by changing into the size of an ATM card. This can be used as an identity card as well. The first phase of distribution will take place from November 1 onwards.
The front side of the card will show the photo, barcode and QR code of the owner whereas the other side carries the information regarding monthly income, the number of the ration store and whether the house has an electricity connection, LPG gas connection etc.
Rs 25 will be collected as the service charge for converting ration card into smart card whereas the priority category will be exempted from the fee, said G R Anil, the Minister for Food and Civil Supplies.
The card holders can apply for smart card directly at the Taluk Supply Office or online through the portal of the Civil Supplies Department. If approved by the Taluk Supply Officer or City Ration Officer, the card will reach the applicant’s login page. One can use it by downloading the PDF version and can pick up the smart card when the notification is available from the office.
The contact numbers of the TSO officer, taluk supply officer and ration inspector will also be printed on the card. The smart card is a modification of the e-ration card inaugurated by former Food and Civil Supplies Minister P S Thilothaman.
A QR code scanner will be installed with the e-pos machine in ration shops. The information about the owner will be displayed on the screen when the QR code is scanned. The beneficiary will receive information on mobile phone when they purchase ration items.
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