The Uttar Pradesh government has launched a major crackdown on those fraudulently availing benefits under the state’s free ration scheme despite being ineligible. The scheme, originally meant for economically weaker families, has reportedly been misused by affluent individuals who do not meet the eligibility criteria. The government has now announced that around 16.67 lakh ration cards will be cancelled as part of this clean-up drive.
Who Are the Ineligible Beneficiaries?
A recent data verification drive revealed several shocking instances of misuse. Authorities found that many vehicle owners, large landholders, businessmen, and income tax payers were receiving free ration meant for the poor. Some key findings include:
- 9,96,643 cardholders were income tax payers
- 4,74,251 owned light motor vehicles
- 1,89,701 were farmers owning over 5 acres of land
- 6,775 had GST-registered firms with turnovers above ₹25 lakh per year
These individuals have been classified as ineligible, and their ration cards will soon be cancelled.
Who Qualifies for Free Ration?
As per central government guidelines, the free ration is distributed under two main categories:
1. Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY):
- Designed for the poorest households
- Each family receives 35 kg of ration per month
- In Uttar Pradesh, 40.82 lakh cardholders are covered under this scheme
2. Eligible Household (PHH):
- Rural areas: Families with annual income below ₹2 lakh
- Urban areas: Families with annual income below ₹3 lakh
Additional factors such as land ownership, vehicle possession, and tax status are also considered to determine eligibility.
Why the Crackdown?
The Uttar Pradesh government stated that the free ration scheme is meant exclusively for the poor, and any misuse deprives genuinely needy families of their rightful benefits. Officials emphasised that financially stable individuals taking advantage of the scheme are violating its true purpose.
To address this, the state has begun a verification and cancellation process for all ineligible ration cards. The government reiterated its commitment to ensuring that only deserving families benefit from welfare programs, while those found misusing the system will face strict action.
