States push ahead to include non-card holders for free rations under PDS

UP to distribute dry rations even to those without Aadhaar, Jharkhand to reach out even to those whose ration cards were cancelled, Delhi starts e-coupon system

With a growing number of people without ration cards finding it difficult to get free food during the Covid-19 crisis, several states have, in the past few weeks, decided to temporarily universalise their public distribution system (PDS). However, experts said unless clear guidelines are there, it remains to be seen how many people fall within the ambit and who remains excluded.
 

The states, which have decided to universalise their PDS, will give free grains even to those who don’t have a ration card either as part of a central government scheme or state programme.
 

In Uttar Pradesh, among the first