WB govt to launch digital ration cards early next year: Min

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Digital ration cards would be introduced in the state for the first time from January next year by the West Bengal government replacing existing cards.
A data bank would be made with details of all existing ration cards which would help in preparation of the new digital cards, Food and Supplies minister Jyotipriyo Mallick told reporters here today.
Existing ration card-holders would have to report to their ration shops by November 29 for enlistment of details in the data bank, Mallick said.
Distribution of digital ration cards would begin from January 5, 2014.
The scheme would cost the state Rs 112 crore in the first phase, of which the Centre would contribute Rs 25.33 crore, he said.

The state has over nine crore ration cards.
Earlier nearly 77 lakh fake ration cards were cancelled.
"About one crore more fake rations cards still exist. The drive to detect and cancel them will continue," he added.