Rations elude the elderly as e-POS fail to match biometrics

By u mahesh|

Express News Service |

Published: 18th July 2018 06:33 AM

HYDERABAD: Several beneficiaries, particularly senior citizens, of Public Distribution System in Khairatabad division of the city are facing hardships of a new kind. Despite having food security cards in their names, they are unable to avail the benefits every month. Some of them who eagerly reach the fair price shop every day are forced to return empty-handed.

In Khairatabad division, as many as 79,103 card holders avail the ration benefits at 96 fair price shops. Many of them are senior citizens.

For the last three months, 65-year-old M Rajeswari, a resident of Indira Nagar in Banjara Hills, has been unable to draw the rations. It has so happened that whenever she visited the nearest fair price shop (FPS), the e-POS machine failed to match her biometric data. Fortunately, she has not been denied the rations but asked to visit the shop when the area inspector of civil supplies department is available there. In cases such as Rajeswari’s, the area inspector is required to authenticate a card-holder’s PDS credentials.

“Every time I go to the dealer, he tells me that the area inspector has been informed but he does not show up,” Rajeswari rued adding that her family is entirely dependent on the 36 kg rice she receives every month. FP shops are kept open only for 15 days a month and, during this period, many such citizens whose biometrics are not matched by the e-POS are unable to draw rations, she claimed.

Another senior citizen, D Yellaiah (60) of Yousufguda, said his biometric authentication has not been working since the system came into vogue. “But I have been facing this problem only for the last three months. The area inspector has not come even once in the last three months and we have been returning home with empty bags,” he added. “Since biometrics fail, we cannot do anything. We keep seeing many such senior citizens everyday. Though we inform the area inspector, he does not turn up,” said a dealer requesting for anonymity.

“We have not received any complaints from any beneficiary or dealer. We will inquire into the matter and take serious action in case of complaints,” K Srinivas, assistant supply officer for Khairatabad division said.

Helpline

The department runs a 24/7 control room at Civil Supplies Corporation’s head office to receive complaints. Complaints can also be lodged on toll-free number 1967 and on WhatsApp at 7330774444

Etela clarifies...

Civil Supplies Minister Etela Rajender on Tuesday clarified that FPS dealers would now be able to give away commodities to PDS beneficiaries even if their biometrics do not match. This, however, is limited to those beneficiaries who are unable to draw benefits because their biometrics do not match. Speaking to mediapersons, Etela said that new procedure of manually authenticating credential will come to force on August 15. He also held a review meeting on Tuesday.