Surat: Notices have been issued to 3.19 lakh suspects stealing government foodgrains in Surat, which are under the National Food Security Act (NFSA). Notices have also been served to 3.19 lakh suspected beneficiaries who are not even eligible to receive government foodgrains. They have been given a request of 7 days to submit a written explanation. Those complaints have been filed against them for availing of foodgrains in violation of government rules and policies. After their responses, decisions will be made at the taluka-level committee on whether they will continue to receive foodgrains or not. These notices, served under the NFSA and the state government, in accordance with the National Food Security Act, 2013, prepared a list of ineligible beneficiaries and sent it to the district supply officers. Based on this, notices have been issued to the suspected beneficiaries in Surat, giving them 7 days to respond in writing.
In Surat city and district alone, 3,19,339 suspected beneficiaries have been issued notices. These people are accused of availing government foodgrains despite not meeting the eligibility criteria. The government has assured that no genuine beneficiary will face injustice, as verification will be conducted before any final decision is made.
Breakdown of Suspected Ineligible Beneficiaries
- Beneficiaries with annual income above ₹6 lakh: 43,949
- Beneficiaries with GST TIN: 846
- Beneficiaries under PM Kisan Scheme: 1,25,008
- Government board members/directors at other institutions: 1,914
- People holding ration cards in other states: 158
- People over 100 years old: 893
- Silent (inactive) for 6 or 12 months: 9,127
- Silent (inactive) for more than 12 months: 1,30,736
- Holding ration cards in other districts of Gujarat: 6,293
