Date:16/02/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/02/16/stories/2006021606960300.htm

Andhra Pradesh

Stress on quick issue of biometric ration cards

Special Correspondent

Steps should be taken to issue 200 cards everyday, says Collector

Srikakulam: The need for speeding up the issue of biometric ration cards to all eligible persons was stressed by the District Collector A. Koteswara Rao at a review meeting with the Revenue Divisional Officers and Mandal Revenue Officers, held at the Collectorate here, on Wednesday.

Steps should be taken to issue 150 to 200 cards everyday, Mr. Rao said, directing the officials to complete the whole process expeditiously.

Stern action

He warned of stern action against employees found guilty of committing irregularities, adding that officials should visit villages even after completion of the process and enquire whether all eligible persons were given ration cards.

Joint Collector M. Veerabrahmaiah informed that 16 centres had been set up for issue of ration cards and the process was going on smoothly.

Vamsadhara oustees

Later, reviewing payment of compensation to the oustees of Vamsadhara project, the Collector urged the officials to pay the amount direct to the oustee and avoid middlemen at all levels. There should be no complaints from the oustees in this regard, Mr. Rao said.

The Collector had also referred to the proposal of the Endowments Department to sell its lands through public auction and instructed officials to purchase the lands from the funds of Indiramma scheme, SC Corporation and Integrated Tribal Development Agency.