Ration Delays Leave Card Holders in Lurch in Haveri

HAVERI

Thousands of ration card holders across Haveri district are facing difficulties due to delays in the monthly distribution of essential food grains. The ration, which is usually available by the 10th of every month at fair price shops, has yet to be delivered, forcing residents to make repeated visits in vain.

Distributors of these shops, who are bearing the brunt of public frustration, have urged the Food and Civil Supplies Department to ensure immediate delivery of rice and corn to the district. Despite it being the 24th, the department has not yet dispatched the required stocks to local warehouses.

According to Ramesh, Deputy Director of the Food Department, only 75 percent of the required food grains under the Annabhagya scheme have been received from the central government. The remaining 25 percent, which is to be supplied by the state government, is still pending due to lack of released grants. Of the 64,150 quintals needed, only 48,112 quintals have reached the district so far, leaving 16,037 quintals in limbo.

“We are hopeful the remaining stock will arrive in the next two days,” said Ramesh, noting that the department can only release rice when the funds are disbursed by the government.

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District Food Department Deputy Director Ramesh clarified that a technical issue is also causing delay. “Earlier, ration was distributed based on biometrics. Now, it is being handled entirely online and dispatched only when full stocks are available. This issue is affecting not just Haveri, but the entire state,” he explained.