Reena Ramteke belongs to a remote village of 60 families in the district of Ghariaband in the state of Chhattisgarh in eastern India. The region that she lives in is heavily forested. Basic amenities like water, electricity and roads are lacking or altogether absent. Life is difficult, poverty is rife. The state is hell-bent on exploiting the forests and the…

Reena Ramteke

January 27; Ghariyaband, Chattisgarh

In India’s hinterland, corruption related to the ration cards is quite common. For the simple reason that it can help obtain subsidised food grains, people try to get their hands on BPL ration cards, even if they aren’t entitled. This leads to deprivation on the part of those who actually require one.

Ghariyaband has a similar story, where the Sarpanch is embezzling ration cards. Community Correspondent Reena Ramteke, in this report, talks to a resident who is fighting for the rights of his community. Khamsingh has intimated the Chief Officer of the block about this problem.

Along with Khemsingh, CC Reena will try to ensure that the ration cards reach those who really need them, so they can have enough food for their families without borrowing money from landlords.

About Ration Cards:
Ration Cards are the identity and eligibility proof on the basis of which India’s Public Distribution System (PDS) works. The card is essential for obtaining the benefits endowed by the Government of India on those stuck on the lower berth of the economic ladder. It is an A-4 size folded paper that can be used to obtain subsidised food grains and cooking oil. Every person is entitled to a ration card, which is classified in three categories: Antyodaya (extreme poverty level), Below Povery Line (BPL Card) and Above Poverty Line (APL). The government replaced it with a microchip-installed Smart Card in some parts of the country.