Left out JK families will soon be brought under PDS ambit: Min

Nearly 3.02 lakh lakh families in Jammu and Kashmir are not getting subsidised PDS ration, but they will soon be included once the Centre starts providing foodgrains as per the 2011 Census figures, Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution Minister Mohammad Ramzan today said.
Speaking in response to a question in the Legislative Assembly, the minister acknowledged the shortage of ration for approximately 3.02 lakh families.
"At present, the government is providing ration to 19.71 lakh families of the state as per 2001 Census. According to the 2011 Census, there are approximately 1.25 crore people in J&K, which works out to 22.73 lakh families," Ramzan said.

He said that the matter stands taken up with Centre for providing additional ration to cover the left out families.
Ramzan said as and when the Centre adopts the 2011 Census figures and subsequently releases additional foodgrains, the left out families will be covered accordingly.
He further informed that the socio-economic and caste Census, which is being conducted throughout the country, is likely to be completed in the state within 9 to 10 months.
The minister said the proposal for opening of new depots in the state is under government's consideration.