Don't seek ration card as identity proof: Goa government tells departments

PANAJI: Goa government today made it clear that as per the Centre's directive, ration card is no longer to be used as an identity or residence proof for the purpose of government schemes, and no government department should insist on it.

The state civil supplies department said in a notification here that Union Ministry of Consumer Affairs had issued an order some time back saying that ration card shall not be used as a proof of identity or residence any longer.

"In spite of the earlier order, many departments insist on the ration card and some have even made it mandatory for (availing) their schemes," says the notification signed by Director of Civil Supplies Vikas Gaunekar.

As a result, even those who do not need ration from public distribution system shops obtain a ration card, which creates scope for diversion of food grains and other items, the notification said.