No deprivation cases reported in UP ration distribution, government says

The question asked the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution about issues regarding ration distribution for elderly, disabled, and migrant beneficiaries in Uttar Pradesh, specifically concerning server downtime, biometric failures, price discrepancies, and offline distribution options.

Asked and answered by: Asked by Shri Babu Singh Kushwaha and Ms Iqra Choudhary; Answered by the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution (Minister Shri Pralhad Joshi).

What the government said

• No cases of deprivation due to server downtime or biometric failure have been reported to the Department.
• Multiple authentication modes are available, including Single Finger, Fusion Finger, IRIS, and Aadhaar-based OTP.
• Nominee facilities allow beneficiaries to authorize others to lift ration in exceptional cases.
• States are advised not to deny rations due to technical or biometric issues.
• No discrepancies in foodgrain prices or availability under the One Nation One Ration Card (ONORC) portability have been reported.
• Foodgrains are distributed free of cost under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY).
• Uttar Pradesh has established a grievance redressal mechanism, and no cases of denial due to stock shortages have come to the Department's notice.
• Grievance redressal initiatives include 1967/1800 helplines, the Anna Sahayata AI-enabled system, and the Mera Ration Mobile App.
• e-PoS devices have functionality to work in offline mode with limited or no internet connectivity, requiring periodic syncing.

Also in the document

• The government stated that no independent inquiry committee was set up, but noted that the Food and Civil Supplies Department of Uttar Pradesh has established a transparent grievance redressal mechanism.
• The answer explicitly states that no such cases of deprivation or discrepancies have been reported to the Department, rather than providing specific data on incidents.